What treatments are available?

Stopping Smoking
Without any doubt the mot important part of treatment is to give up smoking completely. This will prevent progression of the disease and prolong life.

Bronchodilator Inhalers
These come in a range of different devices and it is essential that you are shown how to use your device and feel confident using it. For mild symptoms, the inhalers should be used as required - when breathless, or before more strenuous activity that might cause breathlessness. For more severe symptoms, inhalers will need to be taken four or more times a day regularly. Inhalers have a rapid onset of action and have very few side-effects.

These inhalers reduce breathlessness, improve exercise capability and encourage more effective expectoration.

Other bronchodilators
In more severe COPD your doctor might prescribe bronchodilator tablets to supplement the inhalers. New, long-acting inhaled bronchodilators are currently being assessed in COPD.

Inhaled corticosteroid inhalers and steroid tablets
Most patients with severe COPD will require a two week therapeutic trial of steroid tablets. About 15% of patients will show a beneficial response and will then be allocated a regular corticosteroid inhaler.

Treatment of acute infections
Acute bronchitis is a common feature of COPD. This might start with a cold or viral infection, and progress to increasing cough and sputum changing colour from white to green. Such episodes normally require a course of antibiotics and an increase of bronchodilator inhaler use.

Treatment of acute breathlessness
Sometimes particularly with emphysema, breathing and wheeze become worse, often for no clear reason. Bronchodilators should be increased and your doctor might wish to prescribe a course of steroid tablets for 7-14 days.

Oxygen
Oxygen might occasionally be needed in severe COPD but an assessment by a hospital respiratory specialist must be made first.

Regular exercise - improves mobility and well being.

Weight - if overweight, weight reduction improves breathlessness. With severe emphysema, patients might be underweight and require nutritional advice.

Flying - with severe COPD - might not be recommended due to the lower levels of oxygen in the plane. Consult your GP or nurse before planning a holiday.

Benefits - you might be entitled to DSS benefits or orange car badge.

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COPD