COPD: An Overview of Treatment

Although COPD can not be cured, it can be controlled. 

Treatment objectives:

• 
  
  Slow down the disease, avoiding tobacco smoke and polluted air.
  
  


• 
  
  Limit symptoms such as shortness of breath.
  
  


• 
  
  Increase the level of activity.
  
  


• 
  
  Improve your health.
  
  


• 
  
  Prevent and treat sudden exacerbations of the disease.
  
  

Most people with COPD continue to live in their usual rhythm of life.

Initial treatment

COPD treatment in the initial stages facilitates breathing and slows down the disease. You need:

[caption id="attachment_599" align="aligncenter" width="275"] COPD Treatment[/caption]

• 
  
  Quit smoking. It's very important and it's never too late. No matter how long you live with COPD, quitting smoking will slow the illness and improve the quality of life. Today, there are many ways to quit smoking.
  
  


• 
  
  Active life position. If you remain active, you will be able to control shortness of breath and are less likely to feel depressed or isolated.
  
  


• 
  
  Take care of your health. Influenza, pneumonia, and other diseases that damage the lungs can exacerbate COPD. Do your best to avoid them:
  
  
  
  
  • 
    
    Wash your hands often.
    
    
  
  
  • 
    
    Avoid contact with sick people.
    
    
  
  
  • 
    
    Consult with your doctor about the annual vaccination of influenza and pneumonia.
    
    
  
  
  
  


• 
  
  Adhere to a balanced diet. Muscle weakness and weight loss are common in severe COPD, making it difficult for the body to fight the disease.
  
  


• 
  
  Avoid trigger factors. Avoid factors that can cause a sudden exacerbation of the disease, including polluted air, cold dry air and hot, humid air.
  
  


• 
  
  Learn how to breathe. Learn the methods of breathing to increase the flow of air into the lungs. Learn ways to cleanse the lungs to conserve energy and oxygen.
  
  


• 
  
  Rest more often. Give yourself time to rest in the breaks between household chores and other activities.
  
  

Oxygen treatment

Oxygen treatment is used mainly to prevent right-sided heart failure.

Medications

• 
  
  Bronchodilator funds. These drugs open the bronchial intubation tubes, which facilitates breathing and reduces symptoms.
  
  


• 
  
  Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, can be in the form of pills or be used with an inhaler. If you use an inhaler, be sure to read the instructions to it.
  
  


• 
  
  Expectorants. These drugs will facilitate the expectoration of mucus.
  
  


• 
  
  Treatment of muscle weakness and weight loss. Many patients with COPD have a problem with weight that can be treated, paying attention to regular and balanced meals.
  
  


• 
  
  Rehabilitation program for the lungs. The doctor can offer this program for training breathing and proper selection of physical exertion.
  
  

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

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


• 
  
  Transplantation of the lung.
  
  


• 
  
  Bullectomy removes bullae from the lungs.
  
  

Heart failure, which damages the right side of the heart and is called the pulmonary heart, is common in people with COPD. Treatment can consist of oxygen and a diuretic.

About what it is worth remembering

COPD treatment is applicable on an ongoing basis, but it is worth remembering that COPD is a disease that can be fatal. You and your doctor should discuss all treatment options, as well as an action plan in case of exacerbations.