How to Treat COPD

COPD Treatment Overview

COPD is treated on the basis of the symptoms a person has and the severity of the disease. Generally, the main approaches to COPD treatment include:

* Medications to relieve symptoms

* Pulmonary rehabilitation

* Supplemental oxygen

* Surgery

* Lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking

If you have been diagnosed with COPD, your doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan for you based on your individual needs and the severity of your disease. COPD and its symptoms cannot be cured, but it can often be managed successfully with a comprehensive treatment plan.

Medications for COPD

Your doctor may prescribe one or more medications to help relieve the symptoms of COPD and improve breathing. These may include:

* Bronchodilators such as albuterol (ProAir HFA), salmeterol (Serevent Diskus), or formoterol (Foradil Aerolizer)

* Inhaled corticosteroids such as budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler) or fluticasone (Advair Diskus, Flovent HFA)

* Long-acting beta agonists such as salmeterol (Serevent Diskus) or formoterol (Foradil Aerolizer)

* Oral steroids such as prednisone (Prednisone Intensol)

* Methylxanthines such as theophylline (Theo 24, Uniphyl)

* Antibiotics may also be prescribed if you have a respiratory infection

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program of exercise, education, and support that can help strengthen the muscles you breathe with, increase your endurance, and reduce the symptoms of COPD. Pulmonary rehabilitation typically lasts for several weeks and is often offered at hospitals, clinics, or community centers.

Supplemental Oxygen

If your blood oxygen levels are low and you have chronic respiratory failure, your doctor may prescribe supplemental oxygen. Supplemental oxygen is delivered through a nasal cannula or a mask that you wear over your nose or mouth.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat COPD. Surgical options for COPD include:

* Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) removes small pieces of damaged lung tissue to improve breathing

* Bullectomy removes large air sacs that form on the lungs and interfere with breathing

* Lung transplant may be an option for people with very severe COPD who are not helped by other treatments

Lifestyle Changes

There are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to help manage your COPD, including:

* Quitting smoking

* Regular exercise

* Eating a balanced diet

* Maintain a healthy weight

* Getting enough sleep

* Avoiding exposure to air pollution and secondhand smoke

Managing COPD

COPD is a serious condition, but it can often be managed successfully with a comprehensive treatment plan. By following your doctor's recommendations, you can help reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.