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| Version Française Treatment and Management of COPD and Alpha1 Antitrypsin Deficiency The most common treatments are with medication to help you breathe easier and by making lifestyle changes. Click on one of the topics in the side panel to learn more. Medication There are several types of medications used in controlling the symptoms of COPD. To identify your current medication, click the link below and view our inhaler chart. You can then read about each category of treatment in the list below. Click here to identify your inhaler Bronchodilators
This group of medications provides long-term control for some people with COPD Your doctor will decide if this group of medication will benefit you. If prescribed it should be taken exactly as prescribed.
Inhaled steroid and long acting bronchodilator in one inhaler.
Antibiotics are used to treat chest infection.
Inhalers are designed to send medicine directly to your lungs where it is needed. One advantage of this is that you usually need less medicine compared to oral doses (pills or liquids). Less medicine means fewer side effects. Initially the inhalers may be more difficult to use compared to swallowing pills. However, once you are comfortable using them, they become very routine. By learning to use them properly, you can better control your symptoms by getting the proper dose to your lungs. It is important that you make sure you are taking your medication properly. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider to check whether you are using your inhaler properly. For a detailed description of inhaler techniques, click_here visit the Toronto Western Hospital’s education page on this topic.
Although there is no cure for COPD, the focus is aimed at improving the quality of life. This can be achieved by: 1) Smoking cessation. This is the most important thing you can do to prevent further lung damage. Several methods are available to help you quit smoking such as .Nicotine patche nicotine gum, nicotine inhaler Tablets are also available Zyban® (bupropion hydrochloride) or Champix® (Varencline), Many successful ex-smokers quit smoking by themselves after realizing the harmful effects on their health. Talk to your doctor about quitting and ask for help from smoking cessation programs 2) Vaccination. Vaccination is important to prevent chest infection caused by influenza and pneumonia. Annual flu shots are recommended. Talk to your doctor about having these. 3) Pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Attending a rehabilitation program will help you cope with daily activities and manage shortness of breath. Some strategies to cope with shortness of breath include learning breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety. Good nutrition is important for general health. It is important to keep active so you can manage your daily activities. 4) Oxygen therapy. This may be useful in some cases to assist with the activities of daily living and prolong life. You doctor will decide if this would benefit you. 5) Prolastin – Intravenous injection of a purified blood product has been approved for prescription use and is targeted at deficient subjects who have evidence of significant pulmonary disease. However, the role of this replacement therapy remains controversial. Click here for more information about Prolastin 6) Surgery. In special cases lung reduction surgery is done to remove a portion of the lungs with over distended air sacs to make room for the lungs to expand. Often, however the lung damage is often diffuse with little good lung left to improve lung function. Lung and liver transplants are also options when either organ is no longer functioning properly.
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