What are the treatments for COPD?
Stop smoking
This is the most important treatment. No other treatment may be needed if symptoms are mild.
Short acting bronchodilator inhalers
An inhaler with a bronchodilator medicine is often prescribed. They relax the muscles in the airways (bronchi) to open them up (dilate) as wide as possible. They include:
- beta agonist inhalers. For example, salbutamol and terbutaline.
- anticholinergic inhalers. For example, ipratropium and oxitropium.
These inhalers work well for some people, but not so well in others. Some people with mild or intermittent symptoms only need an inhaler 'as required' for when breathlessness or wheeze occur. Some people need to use an inhaler regularly. The beta agonist and anticholinergic inhalers work in different ways. Using two, one of each type, may help some people better than one type alone.
Long acting bronchodilator inhalers
These include the beta agonists called formoterol and salmeterol, and the anticholinergic called tiotropium. They work in a similar way to the short acting inhalers, but each dose lasts at least 12 hours. One may be an option if symptoms remain troublesome despite taking a short acting bronchodilator.
Steroid inhaler
A steroid inhaler may help in addition to a bronchodilator inhaler if you have more severe COPD. Steroids reduce inflammation. There are several brands of steroid inhaler. A steroid inhaler may not have much effect on your 'usual' symptoms, but may help to prevent flare-ups.
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ray santolla, about 1 year
any new break thru with empyhsema or copd with genee therapy
Report this commentmaemorgan, about 1 year
i have just been diagnosed with mild copd, how will i cope with flying to spain and in the hot climate
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Miss Elaine Markey, 7 months
Hi there, please can you tell me what the different stages of COPD, are my partner, is 65 years of age. was diagnosed at 61 with COPD, he gave up smoking at 64, he tends to stay in front of the telly all day, however he is not on Oxygen ,he takes Salbutamol, Seritide and a Powdered capsules in a inhaler, he produces a lot of irritating effects of trying to cough up flem with no result other than irritation. What is the life expectancy of some one at this stage of the condition? please can you help me find the anwsers.
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