COPD is a progressive disease. At the onset, there is minimal shortness of breath but eventually patients may require supplemental oxygen and may have to rely on mechanical assistance to breath. Your doctor may have you undergo special breathing tests (PFTs) along with checking the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood to best determine how to treat you. Medication is used for COPD to decrease symptoms and/or complications.
There are a number of treatments that can help patients with COPD. If you are a smoker, the most important step, of course, is to stop smoking.The various treatments can be separated into several categories:
Bronchodilators (albuterol, pirbuterol, isoetherine, metaproteranol, terbutaline, salmeterol) are most commonly used in an inhaled form, either by nebulizer or MDI.
Theophylline, available in pill form or given through an I.V. while hospitalized, can cause your airways to relax and open, making it easier to breathe. It can also improve the diaphragm's ability to contract and increase the clearance of mucus and phlegm.
Anticholinergics (Ipratropium bromide) are most commonly adminstrated with a nebulizer. This medication helps the small airways of the lung relax and open, making it easier to breathe. This type of medication works best when used on a regular basis and is not for acute symptoms.
Anti-Inflammatories (prednisone, methylprednisolone) are steroids that can be given via inhalation, pill form or IV. Steroids have many side effects so your doctor will get you off steroids as soon as possible. There is much less concern with side effects when using inhaled steroids, and this is the preferred form.
Oxygen is used if your lung function is impaired and your body can no longer absorb enough oxygen from the air. The most common form of extra oxygen is delivered by a small tube from a tank to your nose (nasal cannula).
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