Living with COPD can have an enormous impact on a patient’s quality of life. In this article Margaret Barnett looks at the various approaches available to help manage and support patients with breathlessness.

Margaret Barnett, RGN, MSc in Nursing Studies, COPD Dip. is a COPD Nurse Specialist, Team Lead, Estover Health Centre, Plymouth, Devon.

Article accepted for publication: August 2009

Acknowledgements: The author would like to thank Tony Fuqua Physical Exercise Instructor/Co-ordinator, Plymouth YMCA and Martha Clotworthy Physiotherapy Respiratory Clinical Specialist, South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust for help with this article.