Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD Theraupetics

The symptoms of COPD cannot be completely eliminated with treatment and the condition usually worsens over time. However, treatment can control symptoms and can sometimes slow the progression of the disease. Medications that help open the airways, called bronchodilators, are a mainstay of treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Bronchodilators help to keep airways open and possibly decrease secretions. Short-acting anticholinergic medication (ipratropium, Atrovent) improves lung function and symptoms. If symptoms are mild and infrequent, short-acting anticholinergic medication may be recommended only when you need it, and Long-acting beta agonists may be recommended if your symptoms are not adequately controlled with other treatments. Glucocorticoids taken in pill form or as an injection are sometimes used for short term treatment but are not generally used long-term because of the risk of side effects. Several such combinations are available including fluticasone proprionate/salmeterol (Advair) and budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort), which are taken twice daily, and fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (Breo), which is taken once daily. People with advanced COPD can have low oxygen levels in the blood. This condition, known as hypoxemia and the oxygen level can be measured with a device placed on the finger or with a blood test (arterial blood gas). Fatal fires have occurred in people attempting to smoke while using oxygen.  Unintended weight loss caused by shortness of breath usually occurs in people with more advanced lung disease. Not eating enough can lead to malnutrition, which can make symptoms worse and increase the likelihood of infection. Other treatments for COPD are including Noninvasive ventilatory support (the use of a special mask and breathing machine to improve symptoms), anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medications, or morphine-like medications to reduce shortness of breath.