Smoking cessation
· Since smoking is the main cause for COPD, stopping is definitely the treatment option. This has proved to prolong the survival in patients with COPD.
· Although lost lung function is not regained, the lung damage stops. (rate of FEV1 reverts back to that of non-smokers)
· For those who can’t stop smoking without an aid, replacement therapy such as nicotine patch, gum or inhaler helps to some certain extend. (user dependant)
· Oral medication to help smoking cessation is another alternative. (e.g. bupropion)
Bronchodilators
· These are medications used to enlarge a narrow airway by action of relaxing the muscles around the airway.
· There are short acting (medication that last only a short period of time after use) & long acting bronchodilators.
· The bronchodilators are in inhaler or oral preparations. (However, inhaled medications have fewer side effects)
· Examples are ipratropium (short acting) and salmeterol (long acting). Theophylline’s use is limited due to its’ narrow therapeutic range. (this means that the individual taking this medication is at a higher risk of getting toxic levels of the medication thus increasing the adverse effects)
Oxygen
· This therapy can be given at home (if the equipment and operator skills are available).
· The therapy shows reduced symptoms & improved survival in patients with COPD. (provided they have stopped smoking)
· The oxygen saturation (SaO2) is best kept above 90%.
Lung transplant
· This is only done if all methods of treatment above are tried and have failed & the function of the lung is severely low.(FEV1 is less than 25%)
Lung volume reduction surgery
· Still another method used to help patients with COPD.
· However, this is a highly specific treatment for a selected group of COPD patients.
