Treatment Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

There is no cure for COPD, and is no longer possible to undo the damage to the lungs. But the symptoms of COPD are treatments to reduce the risk of complications and exacerbations and improve the ability to lead an active life.

Stop smoking

The most essential step of any plan of treatment for smokers with COPD is to quit all. It's the only way to keep COPD from getting worse - which may eventually result in the loss of his ability to breathe. But quitting is not easy. And this task may seem difficult, especially if you tried to quit. Talk to your doctor about nicotine replacement products and medications can help.

Medication

Doctors use several basic groups of medications used to treat symptoms and complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. You can take some of the drugs on a regular basis and others as required:

Bronchodilators. These medications - which usually come in an inhaler - relax the muscles surrounding the airways. This can help relieve cough and shortness of breath and make breathing easier. Depending on the severity of your illness, you may need a short-acting bronchodilator before the activities, a long-acting bronchodilator that is used every day, or both.

Inhaled steroids. Inhaled corticosteroids may reduce airway inflammation and help you breathe easier. But prolonged use of these drugs can weaken bones and increase your risk of high blood pressure, cataracts and diabetes. They are usually reserved for people with moderate or severe COPD.

Antibiotics. Respiratory infections - such as bronchitis, acute pneumonia and influenza - can worsen the symptoms of COPD. Antibiotics can help fight bacterial infections, but it is recommended only when necessary.

Therapy

Oxygen therapy. If there is enough oxygen in the blood may need supplemental oxygen. There are several devices to deliver oxygen to the lungs, including those that are light and portable you can take with you to shop and get around town. Some people with COPD need oxygen only during activities or while you sleep. Others use oxygen all the time.

Pulmonary rehabilitation program. These programs generally combine education, training, nutrition advice and guidance. If you were referred to a program, you will probably work with a 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 improve your cardiovascular system.

Surgery

Surgery is an option for some people to severe emphysema who are not sufficiently helped by drugs alone:

Surgery to reduce lung volume. In this surgery, the surgeon removes small pieces of damaged lung tissue. This creates an extra space in your chest so that the remaining lung tissue and diaphragm work more efficiently. Surgery has a number of risks and long-term results can be nothing better than nonsurgical treatments.

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 it does not seem to prolong life, and you 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.