No cure yet exists for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are grouped under the COPD medical condition. COPD causes shortness of breath, which gets worse as the disease progresses. Treatment is available to help patients and relieve symptoms as much as possible. Many COPD patients are able to slow the progress of the disease, improve their exercise tolerance and prevent complications through treatment.
Avoid Smoking
Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke are important steps in the treatment of COPD and avoiding complications, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Avoiding smoke lessens bouts of coughing and slows the development of shortness of breath, especially if smoking is stopped when airflow obstruction is mild or moderate, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. It is also important for COPD patients to avoid airborne irritants and air pollution.
Vaccines
Flu vaccines reduce the patient's risk of flu, which can greatly exacerbate COPD symptoms. The c decreases the risk for pneumonia and the complications it causes COPD patients, the NHLBI says. People with COPD have an increased risk of contracting pneumonia.
Inhalers
Bronchodilators are inhaled devices that spray a consistent dose of drugs into the airways to relax the muscles around the bronchial tubes. Inhaled corticosteroids help people with moderate or severe COPD who get severe flare-ups. Inhalers improve symptoms and reduce the number of flare-ups, the Merck Manuals points out.
Oxygen Therapy
People with advanced cases of COPD benefit from oxygen therapy in the hospital or at home. Some patients need round-the-cock therapy, but others can use the oxygen therapy a few hours a day. Oxygen therapy reduces excess red blood cells from low blood oxygen and relieves shortness of breath, according to the Merck Manuals.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary therapy improves health through exercise programs, disease management, nutritional meals and counseling, the NHLBI states. A team is often used for the rehab program and includes doctors, nurses, physical therapists, dietitians and other specialists. Many patients with COPD are not able to eat enough because of shortness of breath or fatigue, which threatens to cause malnutrition, UpToDate notes. Patients are taught to eat small, frequent and healthy meals that require little preparation. Nutritional supplements are also advised.
Surgery
Surgery may include lung volume reduction surgery to help COPD patients as a last resort, according to the NHLBI. Lung transplantation may be done for patients with severe COPD and may improve symptoms. However, it may not necessarily prolong the life of the patient, UpToDate states.
