Treatment of COPD
COPD is a very serious condition but it is treatable! For the best result it is recommended that
immediate and aggressive treatment be administered while in its earliest stages. Although there is
no cure for COPD, there are a variety of things that can be done to prevent the disease from
getting worse and to relieve the symptoms.
As stated above, it is imperative that the person with COPD stop smoking. This is the best way to
slow down the lung damage.
Medications used to treat COPD include:
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Inhalers (bronchodilators) to open the airways, such as ipratropium (Atrovent),
tiotropium (Spiriva), salmeterol (Serevent), formoterol (Foradil), or albuterol
Inhaled steroids to reduce lung inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory medications such as montelukast (Singulair) and roflimulast are
sometimes used.
In severe cases or during flare-ups, the patient may need to receive:
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Steroids by mouth or through a vein (intravenously)
Bronchodilators through a nebulizer
Assistance during breathing from a machine (through a mask, BiPAP, or endotracheal
tube)
Oxygen therapy, read more about this option below.
During some COPD flare-ups infections may occur and cause complications so Antibiotics are
prescribed during these symptom flare-ups.
You may need oxygen therapy at home if you have a low level of oxygen in your blood.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is also an option. It does not cure the lung disease, but it can teach the
patient to breathe in a different manner which can aid the patient in staying active. Exercise is
advisable as well, because it can help patients maintain muscle strength in their legs.
Walking is recommended and a great way to build up strength.
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The patient should consult their doctor or therapist to determine how far they should
walk.
The patient should slowly increase how far they walk.
Patients should minimize talking while walking if they experience shortness of breath.
Patients should use pursed lip breathing when breathing out (this will allow them to
empty their lungs before the next breath)
Things that can be done around the home to make things easier:
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Avoid very cold air.
Make sure the patients household remains smoke free.
Make sure there is clean air within the patients living space by reducing air pollution.
Elimination of fireplace smoke and other irritants is strongly advised.
Those with COPD should change their eating habits, consume a healthy diet with an abundance
of fish, poultry, or lean meat and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. If there is a problem
maintaining optimum weight, the patient should talk to a doctor or dietitian about an increase in
calorie intake.
Surgery can be an option as well, but only a few patients benefit from these surgical treatments:
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Surgery to remove parts of the diseased lung can help other areas (areas that are not as
diseased).This may work better in some patients with emphysema.
Lung transplant may be an option for severe cases of COPD.
As stated above, there are a variety of options available in the treatment of COPD. So speaking
with a professional to explore all available options is strongly suggested.
NBN Respiratory specializes in the treatment of chronic and acute respiratory ailments. NBN
Respiratory can assist with treatment of COPD and other respiratory ailments with nebulizer
supplies, nebulizer medications, oxygen, oxygen travel supplies and more.
In addition to supplies and medications, NBN Respiratory works with The Better Breathers
Club to help patients with respiratory diseases cope with their difficulties. The Better Breathers
Club is run by respiratory therapists, asthma educators, and pharmacists that have completed the
NCPA approved respiratory care certificate program.
Reference:
http://www.nbngroup.com/blog/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-or-copd-what-you-needto-know-now/