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Caregivers Information - COPD
Treatment Options
Drug and inhaler treatments
There are a number of
treatment options that may ease the symptoms of
COPD.
Medications that are prescribed for
people with COPD may include:
- Short-acting beta2-agonists,
such as albuterol; anticholinergic bronchodilators, such
as ipratropium bromide; and theophylline derivatives. All
of these help to open narrowed airways.
- Long-acting
bronchodilators. These help relieve constriction of the
airways and help to prevent bronchospasm associated with
COPD.
- Antibiotics, which are
often given at the first sign of a respiratory infection
to prevent further damage and infection in diseased lungs
- Expectorants, which help
loosen and expel mucus secretions from the airways, and
may help make breathing easier
In addition, other medications
may be prescribed to manage conditions associated with
COPD. These may include:
- Diuretics, which are given
as therapy to avoid excess water retention associated with
right-heart failure, which may occur in some COPD
patients.
- Digitalis (usually in the
form of digoxin), which strengthens the force of the
heartbeat. It is used with caution in COPD patients,
especially if their blood oxygen tensions are low, since
they become vulnerable to arrhythmia when taking this
drug.
- Painkillers, cough
suppressants and sleeping pills, which should be used only
with caution, because they depress breathing to some
extent
You should strictly
follow your healthcare professional’s orders regarding all
prescribed medications for
COPD. Be sure to talk to your healthcare
professional if you have any problems, questions or
concerns about medications.
Home oxygen therapy
Eventually, many people
with
COPD
will need supplemental oxygen. In fact, home oxygen
therapy can improve survival rates in people who have low
blood oxygen levels. There are various forms and levels of
oxygen therapy and your healthcare professional can decide
what is best.
Oxygen therapy can actually improve
quality of life for some people with
COPD
because it may help make physical activity more
comfortable and enjoyable. This treatment can also lessen
sleeplessness, headaches, irritability and the
overproduction of red blood cells.
Depending on the severity of someone’s
COPD, a healthcare professional may recommend
continuous oxygen treatment or occasional oxygen treatment.
Patients who require continuous oxygen therapy inhale
supplemental oxygen around the clock. This can improve
alertness, motor speed and hand strength in people who have
advanced emphysema. Patients who require occasional oxygen
treatment use supplemental oxygen during certain activities
or just at night.
There are various oxygen sources
available for home use, as well as different portable oxygen
sources. They vary in size, portability, function and price.
Your healthcare professional can help you decide which type
of oxygen system works best for your circumstance.
Surgical treatments
Currently, surgical treatments
for
COPD are investigative, meaning they are not
proven to be effective across the board. Having this type
of surgery is also very expensive, and often not covered
by insurance. For the most part, surgery is not considered
beneficial for most
COPD patients.
Despite all this, some people do have very positive
responses to surgery. And it is important to know that
surgery is an option in some cases. New research and
studies often become available. So, ask your healthcare
professional about the latest developments in surgery
treatments for
COPD.
Lung transplantation
There have been successful lung
transplants in people who have end-stage
COPD. After a successful lung transplant, a
person has a 70 percent chance of surviving for 1 year
post surgery. The best candidates for this surgery are
people under 65 who have good general health, aside from
COPD.
Lung volume reduction surgery
Lung volume reduction is an
experimental surgery that involves removing severely
diseased lung tissue.
Source: © 1997-2002
GlaxoSmithKline. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted by
Permission. All Disclaimers Apply
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