Pulmonary rehabilitation improves breathlessness and health status in a range of conditions. It is a multifaceted programme of exercise training, disease education and self-management. Many programmes also provide psychological support and advice about breathing control training and nutrition. All patients who complete a pulmonary rehabilitation programme should have a written programme for ongoing exercise, with or without a referral to a community exercise facility. Patients may need to repeat the programme after 1-2 years, as the benefits may diminish over that period.