TREATMENT

Good prognosis of COPD depends on early diagnosis, whilst lung damage is at a minimum. Survival is closely linked to a patient’s level of lung function when they are diagnosed and the rate at which this function deteriorates. Age, resting heart rate, pulmonary artery pressure, airway responsiveness and whether or not the person smokes are all factors which influence a patient’s COPD progression and which affect the rate of survival. The use of long-term oxygen therapy in COPD patients has been shown to improve survival.

Generally COPD patients experience improvement or stability in lung functioning during initial treatment as it reverses obstructions in the airways. However as COPD progresses almost all signs and symptoms tend to show gradual worsening and over 4 – 5 years there is evidence of slow deterioration. The median survival rate is about 10 years for COPD patients who have lost around two-thirds of their normally expected lung function at diagnosis.

Treatment options

Treatment for COPD depends on the general medical condition and severity of each individual patient’s case. A number of possible treatment options exist for COPD sufferers. Other treatment options for COPD include:

Infections can be very serious for COPD sufferers as they can lead the rapid decline of lung functions. The risk of catching the flu is reduced by the influenza vaccine. Since the flu virus mutates rapidly the COPD sufferers should repeat the influenza vaccine once every year. If COPD is treated effectively a patient’s capacity for activity, exercise and an improved quality of life can be increased.

Medication

Not all COPD sufferers require medication. However regular or intermittent use of inhaler medication can assist to open the airways and assist with breathing for COPD sufferers. Medication for COPD can include:

• Short-acting bronchodilators - beta agonists and anticholinergics
• Long-acting bronchodilators – recommended for patients with moderate to severe COPD
• Inhaled corticosteroids - recommended for patients with moderate to severe COPD who suffer from frequently aggravated symptoms
• Systemic corticosteroids - pills or IV Antibiotics.
• Low doses of theophylline – however there are many side effects associated with this medication.

See your doctor for further details about prescription medications.

Managing COPD

Although COPD is a chronic, debilitating and sometimes fatal disease it can be managed. Taking a positive approach to learning about and understanding your illness will allow COPD to be controlled with proper care and treatment.

Important factors contributing to the effective management of COPD include:

• Early detection
• Stop smoking
• Take medication regularly
• Eat healthy
• Pulmonary rehabilitation – Talk to your doctor about a personal exercise program
• Educate yourself about COPD
• Infection prevention.