Treatment Options
Although there is no known cure for COPD, there are several treatments available. Before beginning any treatment plan, however, talk to your doctor to find out what medicines and therapies are best for you.
Quitting Smoking
If you are a current smoker, the single most important thing you can do right now is to stop smoking. Smoking accelerates the progression of the disease, meaning it can make your lungs deteriorate faster. Therefore, quitting smoking will help delay the progression of the disease.
Quitting smoking is not an easy task; that’s why it’s important that you speak with your doctor to design a plan that will help you stop smoking. There are many therapies on the market for individuals who want to stop smoking. These treatments include patches, gums, and both over the counter and prescription medication. Talk to your doctor about what steps you can take to quit smoking. You can also visit the Surgeon General website for more information on how to quit smoking.
Daily Medicines
Your doctor may give you medicine to take everyday. This medicine will help keep the airways in your lungs open. One medicine that does this is called a bronchodilator. A bronchodilator is an inhaler—a medicine that you breathe into your lungs.
The most important thing to remember about COPD treatment is to follow your treatment schedule. Make sure you fully understand how to use your medicine and to make sure you follow the schedule for taking your medicine. Do not stop taking your daily medicines if you start feeling better.
Rescue Medicines
These medicines are taken when you suddenly need help breathing. They are only taken when needed. Albuterol is one type of rescue medication.
Oxygen Treatment
Oxygen is used for patients whose lungs no longer provide their body with enough oxygen. A doctor will use a pulse oximeter to measure how much oxygen is in your blood. The amount that is needed will depend on your specific medical history.
There are many different types of oxygen systems, so it is not too difficult to find a system that will suit your needs. Oxygen treatments will supply oxygen directly into your lungs. Oxygen is supplied through tubes that you place in your nose. This way, your lungs do not have to work as hard to get oxygen.
Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS)
Patients with severe COPD are sometimes eligible for lung transplants. Another surgical option is lung volume reduction surgery. This surgery involves the extraction of the sickest part of the lung. Speak to your doctor to see if this is an option for you.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Also ask your doctor about pulmonary rehabilitation. Pulmonary rehabilitation involves therapy that helps increase the strength of your lungs through exercise; thereby reducing shortness of breath. Pulmonary rehabilitation also educates patients about COPD to better prepare them to face any challenge.