COPD: Alternative treatment and surgery

Surgery as a form of COPD treatment is not very common, but there are several types of COPD:

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  Reducing the volume of the lung involves removing part of one or both of the lungs.
  
  


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  Transplantation of the lung.
  
  


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  Bullectomy removes bullae from the lungs.
  
  

Alternative treatment

Alternative treatment involves:

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  A rehabilitation program that combines physical activity, respiratory therapy, emotional support, dietary advice and information. Such programs are required for patients after surgical reduction of lung volume or lung transplantation.
  
  


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  Oxygen treatment consists of supplying oxygen through a mask or tube, which helps to relieve dyspnea.
  
  


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  Artificial ventilation facilitates breathing, used in a hospital for sudden exacerbations of COPD.
  
  


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  Injections of antitrypsin Alpha1 (such as Aralast, Prolastin, or Zemaira). These drugs help patients with antitrypsin deficiency alpha 1.