Treatment and Prevention
Even with treatment, COPD often becomes progressively worse. The only
treatment to slow the progression of COPD is stopping smoking. Lung function
deteriorates with age, and it happens much faster if you're a smoker. Your doctor
may prescribe medications called short-acting bronchodilators, including
salbutamol* (Ventolin®), ipratropium bromide
(Atrovent®), or a combination of the two
known as Combivent® which relax and widen
the bronchi and help relieve shortness of breath. If symptoms are persistent,
treatment with longer-acting bronchodilators such as tiotropium (Spiriva®),
salmeterol (Serevent®), or formoterol (Oxeze®)
can be added. If there is any inflammation present (not as common in COPD as
in asthma), your doctor suggest you try inhaled or oral corticosteroids to help
your breathing. There are also medications available that combine long-acting
bronchodilators with inhaled corticosteroids called Advair®
or Symbicort®. Your doctor may also prescribe
antibiotics for you to keep at home in case a bacterial lung infection develops.
Inhaling oxygen from oxygen cylinders or an oxygen concentrator for least
15 hours a day may also be helpful for some people with COPD. Finally, 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. In extreme cases lung reduction surgery or lung transplantation
can also be considered.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name
is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®).
The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen).
A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article
lists medications by their common names. For more information on brand names,
speak with your doctor or pharmacist.