There is no cure for COPD, and can not repair the damage to the lungs. But treatments can control symptoms of COPD, to reduce their risk of complications and exacerbations and improve their ability to lead an active life.
Stop smoking
The most crucial step in any strategy for the treatment of smokers with COPD is to quit all. It's the only way to keep COPD from getting worse - which over time can lead to losing your ability to breathe. But quitting is never easy. And this task may seem daunting especially if you tried to quit smoking. Talk to your doctor about alternatives to nicotine and drugs can help.
Medicine
Doctors use several basic groups of medications to treat the symptoms and complications of COPD. You can take any medications on a regular basis and others as needed:
Bronchodilators. These medications - which usually comes in an inhaler - relax the muscles around your Airways. This can help relieve cough and shortness of breath and make breathing easier. Depending on the severity of your illness, you can use a short-acting bronchodilator previous activities, a bronchodilator long-acting that you use every day, or both.
Inhaled. Inhaled corticosteroids may reduce inflammation of the airways and helps you breathe better. But the long-term use of these drugs can weaken bones and increase the risk of hypertension, cataracts and diabetes. They are usually reserved for people with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Antibiotics. Respiratory infections - such as bronchitis, pneumonia and acute influenza - can worsen the symptoms of COPD. Antibiotics can help fight bacterial infections, but is recommended only when necessary.
Therapy
Oxygen therapy. If you do not have enough oxygen in the blood may need supplemental oxygen. There are a number of devices for the supply of oxygen to the lungs, such as lightweight, portable units that can take you on errands and around town. Some people with COPD to use oxygen only during exercise or during sleep. Others use oxygen all the time.
Pulmonary rehabilitation program. These programs combine general education, training, nutrition tips and advice. If referred to a program, you may work with a wide range of health professionals, including physiotherapists, respiratory therapists, exercise specialists and dietitians. These specialists can tailor your rehabilitation program to meet your needs. Regular exercise can significantly improve the efficiency of your cardiovascular system.
Surgery
Surgery is an option for some people with certain forms of severe emphysema who are not adequately using medicine for themselves:
Lung volume reduction surgery. In this surgery, your surgeon removes small wedges of damaged lung tissue. This creates an extra space in the thoracic cavity, so that the remaining lung tissue and diaphragm work more efficiently. The operation has a number of risks and long-term results may be superior to surgical approaches.
Lung transplantation. Single lung transplantation may be an option for some people with severe emphysema who meet specific criteria. Transplantation can improve your ability to breathe and be active, but does not appear to prolong life and may have to wait long for an organ donation. So the decision to undergo lung transplantation is complex.
Management of exacerbations
Even with continuous treatment, you may experience times when symptoms suddenly get worse. This is called an acute exacerbation, and can cause lung failure, if not treated timely. Exacerbations can be caused by a respiratory infection, a change in outside temperature or high levels of air pollution. Seek medical attention if you notice more coughing or a change in mucus or have trouble breathing harder.
Stop smoking
The most crucial step in any strategy for the treatment of smokers with COPD is to quit all. It's the only way to keep COPD from getting worse - which over time can lead to losing your ability to breathe. But quitting is never easy. And this task may seem daunting especially if you tried to quit smoking. Talk to your doctor about alternatives to nicotine and drugs can help.
Medicine
Doctors use several basic groups of medications to treat the symptoms and complications of COPD. You can take any medications on a regular basis and others as needed:
Bronchodilators. These medications - which usually comes in an inhaler - relax the muscles around your Airways. This can help relieve cough and shortness of breath and make breathing easier. Depending on the severity of your illness, you can use a short-acting bronchodilator previous activities, a bronchodilator long-acting that you use every day, or both.
Inhaled. Inhaled corticosteroids may reduce inflammation of the airways and helps you breathe better. But the long-term use of these drugs can weaken bones and increase the risk of hypertension, cataracts and diabetes. They are usually reserved for people with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Antibiotics. Respiratory infections - such as bronchitis, pneumonia and acute influenza - can worsen the symptoms of COPD. Antibiotics can help fight bacterial infections, but is recommended only when necessary.
Therapy
Oxygen therapy. If you do not have enough oxygen in the blood may need supplemental oxygen. There are a number of devices for the supply of oxygen to the lungs, such as lightweight, portable units that can take you on errands and around town. Some people with COPD to use oxygen only during exercise or during sleep. Others use oxygen all the time.
Pulmonary rehabilitation program. These programs combine general education, training, nutrition tips and advice. If referred to a program, you may work with a wide range of health professionals, including physiotherapists, respiratory therapists, exercise specialists and dietitians. These specialists can tailor your rehabilitation program to meet your needs. Regular exercise can significantly improve the efficiency of your cardiovascular system.
Surgery
Surgery is an option for some people with certain forms of severe emphysema who are not adequately using medicine for themselves:
Lung volume reduction surgery. In this surgery, your surgeon removes small wedges of damaged lung tissue. This creates an extra space in the thoracic cavity, so that the remaining lung tissue and diaphragm work more efficiently. The operation has a number of risks and long-term results may be superior to surgical approaches.
Lung transplantation. Single lung transplantation may be an option for some people with severe emphysema who meet specific criteria. Transplantation can improve your ability to breathe and be active, but does not appear to prolong life and may have to wait long for an organ donation. So the decision to undergo lung transplantation is complex.
Management of exacerbations
Even with continuous treatment, you may experience times when symptoms suddenly get worse. This is called an acute exacerbation, and can cause lung failure, if not treated timely. Exacerbations can be caused by a respiratory infection, a change in outside temperature or high levels of air pollution. Seek medical attention if you notice more coughing or a change in mucus or have trouble breathing harder.
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