Even with treatment, COPD becomes progressively worse over time. Medication is able to reduce the symptoms and improve your qualify of life, but cannot cure COPD. Lung function deteriorates with age even in healthy people, but it happens much faster if you're a smoker. Therefore, it is very important to stop smoking.
Your doctor may prescribe medications called short-acting bronchodilators, including salbutamol*, ipratropium bromide, a combination of the two, or terbutaline to relax and widen the bronchi and help relieve shortness of breath.
If symptoms are persistent, treatment with long-acting bronchodilators such as tiotropium, glycopyrronium, salmeterol, formoterol, or a combination product can be added. If you are still having difficulties breathing, your doctor may also suggest that you try adding an inhaled corticosteroid.
There are also medications available that combine long-acting bronchodilators with inhaled corticosteroids. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics and oral steroids for you to keep at home in case a bacterial lung infection develops.
Since influenza (the flu) may make COPD symptoms worse and can lead to respiratory failure and hospitalization, it is recommended that people with COPD receive the annual flu vaccine. People with COPD may also benefit from receiving a pneumococcal vaccine to lower their risk of getting pneumonia (lung infection), which can also lead to complications. Talk to your doctor about receiving these vaccines.
Oxygen therapy from oxygen cylinders or an oxygen concentrator can be used for people with severe COPD who do not have enough oxygen in their blood when breathing room air.
Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day can help loosen phlegm buildup.
Exercise with or without a formal physiotherapy program can improve a person's quality of life and activities. A healthy nutritional intake is important, as weight loss due to the increased work of breathing presents a serious sign of advancing COPD. Lung volume reduction surgery or lung transplantation can also be considered in extreme cases.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2021. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/COPD-Chronic-Obstructive-Pulmonary-Disease