COPD (treatment)

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 (Sa_O2) 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.