COPD: treatment and management
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term (chronic) condition that obstructs (blocks) the airways in the lungs. The quality of life for a person with COPD may diminish as the disease progresses and activities become more restricted.
Unfortunately COPD cannot be cured and it isn’t possible to reverse the lung damage that has already been done. However, there are measures that can be taken that should relieve symptoms, slow the progression of the disorder and prevent complications. Home treatment usually works well for most people, but others with very severe disease may need hospitalisation.
Quit smoking
The most important thing you can do for yourself if you have COPD is to stop smoking immediately. You may have tried to in the past, but if you have been diagnosed with COPD it is even more important that you talk to your doctor about stopping. You will improve your cough, ease your breathlessness and you will also slow down further lung damage.
Medications
Depending on how bad your COPD is and the symptoms you are getting, your doctor may prescribe various medications. Some medications (such as bronchodilators) may be prescribed for either ongoing or short-term use, while others (such as antibiotics and corticosteroids) may only be used in the short-term for ‘flare ups’.
- Bronchodilators to expand your airways and help you breathe more easily. These are usually given by inhaler.
- Antibiotics when you get a chest infection, as this will make your COPD worse.
- Corticosteroids to help with inflammation of your airways.
- Medicines for anxiety or depression if you are experiencing this.
Oxygen
Supplemental oxygen therapy is often helpful to people who have a low level of oxygen in their blood. You will need to be assessed first by a respiratory medicine specialist who will test your lung function to see if you would benefit from oxygen therapy.
Depending on your lifestyle and the results of the tests, you may be given an oxygen supply at home. This is either a machine known as a concentrator, which purifies the oxygen in the air in your room, or compressed oxygen in a cylinder. To gain benefit from the oxygen you will probably need to use it for about 15 hours a day. Portable oxygen cylinders are used by some people for short walking trips of an hour or so.
Surgery
Some people with emphysema (a type of COPD) may be suitable for surgery called lung volume reduction surgery, which gives some patients improvement, at least in the short term. Lung transplantation can also provide symptom relief for some people with COPD.
Exercise and pulmonary rehabilitation
Keep as active as you can. Although it may seem difficult to get up the energy to exercise, prolonged inactivity leads to increased disability, so it is important you regularly try to do whatever physical activity you feel you are capable of, even if this is just a short gentle walk every day. Physical exercise helps your body function more efficiently, improves lung function and may protect against depression.
Talk to your doctor, who may recommend a special exercise programme for you or refer you to a physiotherapist or rehabilitation specialist for pulmonary rehabilitation exercises. These exercises should improve your exercise capacity and quality of life.
Self-care
Here are some other practical things you can do that should benefit you in coping with COPD.
- Drink plenty of liquids, to help thin your mucus and make it easier to cough up.
- Eat a healthy and varied diet. Try to maintain a healthy weight.
- Prevent infections if possible. Avoid crowded places and ill people during the cold and flu seasons, and boost your immunity by eating properly and getting enough rest.
- See your doctor every autumn for a flu vaccination. Your doctor may also recommend pneumococcal vaccination to help prevent pneumonia.
- Avoid contact with substances that irritate your lungs, for example smoke, dust, fumes, animal hair and aerosols.
- Try to maintain a positive attitude to life and find things you enjoy doing.
- Keep in regular contact with your doctor so your health can be monitored.
Last Reviewed: 01 April 2009
