Treatment Options for COPD
Treatment Options for COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a broad medical
term for chronic bronchitis, asthmatic bronchitis, and emphysema. Difficulty
in breathing results when the tubes and air sacs that make up the
lungs become blocked, which leads to trapped air in the lungs and a
decreased ability to exhale or breathe out. Symptoms include cough,
increased mucus production, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
While there is no cure for COPD and damage to the lungs cannot be
reversed, treatments are available to alleviate symptoms and decrease
the risk of complications. Persons who smoke are advised to stop smoking
to prevent further damage to the lungs. Inhaled bronchodilators may
be prescribed, which help alleviate coughing and shortness of breath.
Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) is a short-acting bronchodilator prescribed
to quickly relieve shortness of breath when a sudden attack of breathing
difficulty occurs. Long-acting bronchodilators, such as salmeterol
(Serevent), are prescribed for daily use and should not be used in an
emergency, since they do not work fast enough when immediate help is
needed. Fluticasone (Flovent) is an example of an inhaled corticosteroid,
which works to reduce airway inflammation and improve breathing.