Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term used to describe a collection of diseases--including emphysema and chronic bronchitis--that progressively degrades and destroys the lungs. The Mayo Clinic estimates that 16 million people in the United States have COPD. Symptoms of COPD include coughing and severe breathing difficulties. If you are diagnosed with COPD, your doctor will let you know what the treatment options are.
Quit Smoking
The primary cause of COPD is cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoke irritates the fragile lining of your lungs, which can cause coughing or difficulty breathing. One of the simplest ways you can help relieve symptoms associated with COPD is to stop smoking. Protecting your lungs from the toxins in cigarette smoke can allow your lungs to heal and regain normal function.
Medication
If you have COPD, your doctor may prescribe a bronchodilator or corticosteroid medication to treat your symptoms. Bronchodilator medications act by relaxing the airway muscles, which tend to be tight or constricted due to COPD. By relaxing the air passageways, it can become easier for COPD patients to inhale and exhale normally. Corticosteroid medications, which are typically inhaled through the mouth, help decrease inflammation within the airway and lungs, explain health professionals at the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. This can help alleviate chest tightness and pain in patients with COPD.
Surgery
Depending upon the severity of your COPD, your doctor may recommend surgical treatment to provide symptom relief. Surgical procedures such as a lung transplant or lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) can greatly improve a patient's ability to inhale and exhale more efficiently.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
If COPD interferes with your ability to complete normal daily tasks, such as walking, your doctor may recommend pulmonary rehabilitation to help alleviate your symptoms. Pulmonary rehabilitation is medical program in which patients with COPD receive instruction and guidance regarding exercise, disease management and psychological and nutritional counseling, while being continually monitored by medical professionals. The goal of pulmonary rehabilitation is to provide COPD patients with the knowledge and physical strength necessary to remain active while participating in usual daily activities.
Oxygen Therapy
COPD can cause your blood to have low levels of oxygen, which can contribute to symptoms of fatigue, weakness and organ damage. Such symptoms can be alleviated through the use of oxygen therapy, which can help increase blood levels of oxygen in your body. Oxygen therapy involves the administration of oxygen through the nose or mouth and may be provided constantly or intermittently, depending upon the severity of your COPD symptoms.
