The incidence of chronic lung diseases and their associated morbidity and mortality have increased dramatically in recent years. Pulmonary rehabilitation has been well established in comprehensive care programs to enhance standard medical therapy to control and alleviate symptoms and optimize patient function. Patients should be selected on the basis of disease severity, disability, and motivation. Initial patient evaluation should include a careful medical and psychosocial evaluation, physiologic tests of lung and exercise function, and appropriate goal setting. Program content includes education, instruction in respiratory and chest physiotherapy techniques, exercise training, and psychosocial support. Pulmonary rehabilitation results in the following: reduced utilization of health care resources, costs, and respiratory and psychologic symptoms, and improved quality of life, exercise and activity levels, independence, and knowledge. There is generally no change in lung function. Survival may or may not be prolonged.