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Emphysema is a destruction of the alveolar surfaces that results in the inability to perform efficient gas exchange. Most patients with COPD have elements of both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The term COPD is now used more frequently, since it encompasses both conditions. Approximately 12 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with COPD, and it is estimated that another 12 million are undiagnosed.
COPD development is due to environmental exposures and various other factors. Cigarette smoking is the most common risk factor for COPD. In recent years, studies have shown an increase in the prevalence of COPD among women; this increase is due to a rise in the number of women who smoke, changes in occupational trends, and possibly greater susceptibility.
Exacerbations of COPD cause a more rapid decline in lung function and result in increased hospital admissions and mortality, which are associated with a greater financial burden. People with known COPD average 1. This article will highlight the management of acute COPD exacerbations.
The GOLD Committee, which was formed in , is a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers and scientists who are working to promote COPD awareness and provide strategies for effective patient care.
This article will discuss some of the GOLD recommendations. This imbalance can cause hyperinflation, hypercapnia , or hypoxemia, depending upon the severity of the exacerbation. Exacerbations may be precipitated by several factors. However, in more than one-third of exacerbations, the cause is not identified.
The three cardinal symptoms of COPD exacerbation are increased dyspnea, cough, and purulent sputum production. An exacerbation is acute in nature and is associated with a change in symptoms that is beyond normal day-to-day variation. Patients experiencing exacerbations should receive a thorough medical assessment including medical history, exposure history, clinical signs of severity, comorbidities, and additional laboratory tests.
Laboratory assessments include comparison of pulse oximetry with the patient at rest and during activity if the patient can ambulate, chest radiographs, electrocardiogram, electrolytes, and whole blood count. Spirometry is not recommended during exacerbations because the readings are inaccurate and the task is difficult for patients to perform. Management of exacerbations may occur in the inpatient or outpatient setting, depending upon the severity of the exacerbation and other patient-specific factors and circumstances.
Hospitalization may be indicated for patients who experience frequent exacerbations, have significant comorbid conditions, or cannot be managed easily in the outpatient setting. A worsening of clinical status, including the development of new physical signs or a pronounced increase in symptom intensity, also may warrant hospitalization. The goals of exacerbation therapy are to decrease symptoms to baseline and prevent subsequent exacerbations. Pharmacologic treatment of exacerbations involves bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antibiotics.
Short-Acting Bronchodilators: Short-acting beta 2 -agonists e. In a meta-analysis examining improvement of airflow obstruction with use of short-acting bronchodilators, the change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second FEV 1 did not differ significantly between metered-dose inhalers MDIs and nebulizers.
Methylxanthines theophylline and aminophylline are considered second-line IV therapy in patients having an insufficient response to short-acting bronchodilators.
Although inhaled long-acting beta-agonists, long-acting anticholinergics , and corticosteroids are the mainstay of COPD maintenance therapy, they are not appropriate for the treatment of COPD exacerbations.
High doses of short-acting beta-agonists, short-acting anticholinergics , and systemic corticosteroids are better suited to decreasing acute respiratory symptoms, whereas long-acting agents are indicated for reducing day-to-day symptoms, preventing exacerbations, and limiting disease progression.
If these agents are used concomitantly during an exacerbation, the patient has a higher likelihood of experiencing adverse effects, since the medication classes are very similar. Corticosteroids: The benefits of systemic corticosteroid use as a component of COPD exacerbation treatment have been well established. However, the optimal dosage and duration have yet to be determined. Systemic corticosteroids have been shown to shorten length of hospital stay, decrease recovery time, improve FEV 1 , and improve arterial hypoxemia.
In the past, the GOLD guidelines suggested the use of prednisolone 30 to 40 mg daily for 10 to 14 days. In addition, there were no significant differences in mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, short-term adverse effects, recovery of lung function, or improvement of disease-related symptoms. However, patients receiving the shorter course of corticosteroids had a significant reduction in corticosteroid exposure and a shortened length of hospital stay.
At this time, the GOLD guidelines note that nebulized budesonide may be used as an alternative to systemic corticosteroids. Antibiotics: Antibiotic use in the management of exacerbations remains controversial. Antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem worldwide. The choice of the antibiotic should be based on the local pattern of bacterial resistance.
Studies support the use of antibiotics when the patient has signs of bacterial infection. The recommended length of treatment is 5 to 10 days. Titrated oxygen is associated with less acidosis, a lower need for ventilation, and reduced mortality compared with the use of high-flow oxygen during exacerbations.
Ventilatory Support: Some patients may require noninvasive nasal cannula or facial mask or invasive orotracheal tube or tracheostomy ventilatory support in order to maintain proper oxygenation. Criteria for the use of noninvasive ventilation and invasive mechanical ventilation are given in TABLE 2. It may be appropriate to allow a trial of noninvasive methods prior to advancing support, as these modalities are associated with improvement in clinical signs, a decreased need for escalation to invasive mechanical ventilation, and reduced mortality.
Although ventilatory support may seem necessary, it is important to take patient preferences into consideration and to be mindful of the risks. There is not an established optimal length of hospitalization for patients with COPD exacerbations.
Prior to discharge, patients should be clinically stable for a minimum of 12 to 24 hours and should need inhaled short-acting beta 2 -agonists no more than every 4 hours. A plan for effective home management and follow-up should be coordinated and clearly communicated to the patient and his or her caregivers and healthcare providers.
It is imperative that discharge planning include medication counseling to ensure patient and caregiver comprehension and proper medication use. Despite efforts to prevent COPD exacerbations, the rate of readmission remains quite high, which has caught the attention of the Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in recent years.
Results: A total of patients were referred for a COPD exacerbation warranting hospitalization; patients were randomized to receive IV therapy, and to receive oral therapy. Overall treatment failure within 90 days was similar, as follows: IV prednisolone, There were also no differences in early ie, within 2 weeks treatment failure Over 1 week, clinically relevant improvements were found in spirometry and health-related quality of life, without significant differences between the two treatment groups.
Conclusion: Therapy with oral prednisolone is not inferior to IV treatment in the first 90 days after starting therapy.
We suggest that the oral route is preferable in the treatment of COPD exacerbations. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.
Abstract Background: Treatment with systemic corticosteroids for exacerbations of COPD results in improvement in clinical outcomes.
❿Catching Your Breath: Managing COPD Exacerbations
Exacerbations of COPD are associated with a more rapid decline in lung function. Pharmacists can be instrumental in educating patients and can serve as a resource for multidisciplinary teams in the setting of COPD exacerbations.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD is an inflammatory disease of the lung characterized by progressive airflow limitation that is not fully reversible.
Emphysema is a destruction of the alveolar surfaces that results in the inability to perform efficient gas exchange. Most patients with COPD have elements of both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The term COPD is now used more frequently, since it encompasses both conditions. Approximately 12 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with COPD, and it is estimated that another 12 million are undiagnosed.
COPD development is due to environmental exposures and various other factors. Cigarette smoking is the most common risk factor for COPD. In recent years, studies have shown an increase in the prevalence of COPD among women; this increase is due to a rise in the number of women who smoke, changes in occupational trends, and possibly greater susceptibility. Exacerbations of COPD cause a more rapid decline in lung function and result in increased hospital admissions and mortality, which are associated with a greater financial burden.
People with known COPD average 1. This article will highlight the management of acute COPD exacerbations. The GOLD Committee, which was formed inis a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers and scientists who are working to promote COPD awareness and provide strategies for effective patient care.
This article will discuss some of the GOLD recommendations. This imbalance can cause hyperinflation, hypercapniaor hypoxemia, depending upon the severity of the exacerbation. Exacerbations may be precipitated by several factors. However, in more than one-third of exacerbations, the cause is not identified. The three cardinal symptoms of COPD exacerbation are increased dyspnea, cough, and purulent sputum production. An exacerbation is acute in nature and is associated with a change in symptoms that is beyond normal day-to-day variation.
Patients experiencing exacerbations should receive a thorough medical assessment including medical history, exposure history, clinical signs of severity, comorbidities, and additional laboratory tests. Laboratory assessments include comparison of pulse oximetry with the patient at rest and during activity if the patient can ambulate, chest radiographs, electrocardiogram, electrolytes, and whole blood count.
Spirometry is not recommended during exacerbations because the readings are inaccurate and the task is difficult for patients to perform. Management of exacerbations may occur in the inpatient or outpatient setting, depending upon the severity of the exacerbation and other patient-specific factors and circumstances.
Hospitalization may be indicated for patients who experience frequent exacerbations, have significant comorbid conditions, or cannot be managed easily in the outpatient setting.
A worsening of clinical status, including the development of new physical signs or a pronounced increase in symptom intensity, also may warrant hospitalization. The goals of exacerbation therapy are to decrease symptoms to baseline and prevent subsequent exacerbations. Pharmacologic treatment of exacerbations involves bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antibiotics. Short-Acting Bronchodilators: Short-acting beta 2 -agonists e.
In a meta-analysis examining improvement of airflow obstruction with use of short-acting bronchodilators, the change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second FEV 1 did not differ significantly between metered-dose inhalers MDIs and nebulizers. Methylxanthines theophylline and aminophylline are considered second-line IV therapy in patients having an insufficient response to short-acting bronchodilators.
Although inhaled long-acting beta-agonists, long-acting anticholinergicsand corticosteroids are the mainstay of COPD maintenance therapy, they are not appropriate for the treatment of COPD exacerbations. High doses of short-acting beta-agonists, short-acting anticholinergicsand systemic corticosteroids are better suited to decreasing acute respiratory symptoms, whereas long-acting agents are indicated for reducing day-to-day symptoms, preventing exacerbations, and limiting disease progression.
If these agents are used concomitantly during an exacerbation, the patient has a higher likelihood of experiencing adverse effects, since the medication classes are very similar. Corticosteroids: The benefits of systemic corticosteroid use as a component of COPD exacerbation treatment have been well established. However, the optimal dosage and duration have yet to be determined. Systemic corticosteroids have been shown to shorten length of hospital stay, decrease recovery time, improve FEV 1and improve arterial hypoxemia.
In the past, the GOLD guidelines suggested the use of prednisolone 30 to 40 mg daily for 10 to 14 days. In addition, there were no significant differences in mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, short-term adverse effects, recovery of lung function, or improvement of disease-related symptoms. However, patients receiving the shorter course of corticosteroids had a significant reduction in corticosteroid exposure and a shortened length of hospital stay. At this time, the GOLD guidelines note that nebulized budesonide may be used as an alternative to systemic corticosteroids.
Antibiotics: Antibiotic use in the management of exacerbations remains controversial. Antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem worldwide. The choice of the antibiotic should be based on the local pattern of bacterial resistance. Studies support the use of antibiotics when the patient has signs of bacterial infection. The recommended length of treatment is 5 to 10 days. Titrated oxygen is associated with less acidosis, a lower need for ventilation, and reduced mortality compared with the use of high-flow oxygen during exacerbations.
Ventilatory Support: Some patients may require noninvasive nasal cannula or facial mask or invasive orotracheal tube or tracheostomy ventilatory support in order to maintain proper oxygenation.
Criteria for the use of noninvasive ventilation and invasive mechanical ventilation are given in TABLE 2. It may be appropriate to allow a trial of noninvasive methods prior to advancing support, as these modalities are associated with improvement in clinical signs, a decreased need for escalation to invasive mechanical ventilation, and reduced mortality. Although ventilatory support may seem necessary, it is important to take patient preferences into consideration and to be mindful of the risks.
There is not an established optimal length of hospitalization for patients with COPD exacerbations. Prior to discharge, patients should be clinically stable for a minimum of 12 to 24 hours and should need inhaled short-acting beta 2 -agonists no more than every 4 hours.
A plan for effective home management and follow-up should be coordinated and clearly communicated to the patient and his or her caregivers and healthcare providers. It is imperative that discharge planning include medication counseling to ensure patient and caregiver comprehension and proper medication use. Despite efforts to prevent COPD exacerbations, the rate of readmission remains quite high, which has caught the attention of the Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in recent years.
The frequency and severity of COPD exacerbations have been associated with poor prognosis and increased mortality. Pharmacists can counsel patients about how to prevent future COPD exacerbations, including disease education, smoking cessation, pneumococcal and annual influenza vaccinations, and proper inhaler technique for maintenance therapy.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. National Institutes of Health. Fact sheet: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD. Accessed February 21, World Health Organization.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease fact sheet. Accessed February 20, Gender differences in COPD: are women more susceptible to smoking effects than men? COPD and gender differences: an update. Transl Res. Corticosteroid therapy for patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review.
Arch Intern Med. Respir Med. Prediction of the clinical course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, using the new GOLD classification: a study of the general population. Infections and airway inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease severe exacerbations. Bronchodilator delivery in acute airflow obstruction. A meta-analysis. Oral corticosteroids in patients admitted to hospital with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a prospective randomised controlled trial.
Effect of systemic glucocorticoids on exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. N Engl J Med. Controlled trial of oral prednisone in outpatients with acute COPD exacerbation. Efficacy of corticosteroid therapy in patients with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease receiving ventilatory support. Association of corticosteroid dose and route of administration with risk of treatment failure in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Different durations of corticosteroid therapy for exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Short-term vs conventional glucocorticoid therapy in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the REDUCE randomized clinical trial. Miravitlles M, Anzueto A. Antibiotics for acute and chronic respiratory infections in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Effect of high flow oxygen on mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in prehospital setting: randomised controlled trial. Gay PC. Complications of noninvasive ventilation in acute care. Respir Care. Risk factors of hospitalization and readmission of patients with COPD exacerbation—systematic review. Readmissions for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Eisenhower C. Impact of pharmacist-conducted medication reconciliation at discharge on readmissions of elderly patients with COPD.
Ann Pharmacother. Can the targeted use of a discharge pharmacist significantly decrease day readmissions? Hosp Pharm. Sehatzadeh S. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD : an evidence-based review.
❾-50%}Prednisolone use for copd. Make a Donation
Accessed February 21, World Health Organization. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease fact sheet. Accessed February 20, Gender differences in COPD: are women more susceptible to smoking effects than men? COPD and gender differences: an update. Transl Res. Corticosteroid therapy for patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review.
Arch Intern Med. Respir Med. Prediction of the clinical course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, using the new GOLD classification: a study of the general population. Infections and airway inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease severe exacerbations. Bronchodilator delivery in acute airflow obstruction. A meta-analysis. Oral corticosteroids in patients admitted to hospital with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a prospective randomised controlled trial.
Effect of systemic glucocorticoids on exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. N Engl J Med. Controlled trial of oral prednisone in outpatients with acute COPD exacerbation. Efficacy of corticosteroid therapy in patients with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease receiving ventilatory support.
Association of corticosteroid dose and route of administration with risk of treatment failure in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Different durations of corticosteroid therapy for exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Short-term vs conventional glucocorticoid therapy in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the REDUCE randomized clinical trial. Miravitlles M, Anzueto A. Antibiotics for acute and chronic respiratory infections in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Effect of high flow oxygen on mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in prehospital setting: randomised controlled trial. Gay PC. Complications of noninvasive ventilation in acute care. Respir Care. Risk factors of hospitalization and readmission of patients with COPD exacerbation—systematic review. Readmissions for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Eisenhower C.
Impact of pharmacist-conducted medication reconciliation at discharge on readmissions of elderly patients with COPD. Ann Pharmacother. Can the targeted use of a discharge pharmacist significantly decrease day readmissions? On hospitalization, corticosteroids are generally administered IV.
It has not been established whether oral administration is equally effective. We conducted a study to demonstrate that therapy with oral prednisolone was not inferior to therapy with IV prednisolone using a double-blind, double-dummy design. Methods: Patients hospitalized for an exacerbation of COPD were randomized to receive 5 days of therapy with prednisolone, 60 mg IV or orally. Treatment failure, the primary outcome, was defined as death, admission to the ICU, readmission to the ICU because of COPD, or the intensification of pharmacologic therapy during a day follow-up period.
Men have far less trouble than women, probably because their bones are larger to start with. The bone problem osteoporosis can be largely prevented by the appropriate use of calcium. A quart of skim milk gives 1, mg of calcium, and simple medications such as Tums contain a lot of calcium.
Physicians believe that between 1,, mg per day is necessary to help prevent osteoporosis. Exercise also helps protect the bones, and, of course, being able to breathe makes this exercise possible. Newer medications have become available to help treat osteoporosis. Anybody receiving long-term prednisone should have an annual eye exam and, of course, plenty of people have cataracts and glaucoma without the use of steroids.
If steroids are making things worse, that fact can be dealt with by using medications and surgery. Short courses of prednisone cause almost no harm, and even low maintenance doses given each morning or evening in a single daily dose have minimal side effects in most patients.
Background: Treatment with systemic corticosteroids for exacerbations of COPD results in improvement in clinical outcomes. On hospitalization, corticosteroids are generally administered IV. It has not been established whether oral administration is equally effective. We conducted a study to demonstrate that therapy with oral prednisolone was not inferior to therapy with IV prednisolone using a double-blind, double-dummy design. Methods: Patients hospitalized for an exacerbation of COPD were randomized to receive 5 days of therapy with prednisolone, 60 mg IV or orally.
Treatment failure, the primary outcome, was defined as death, admission to the ICU, readmission to the ICU because of COPD, or the intensification of pharmacologic therapy during a day follow-up period.
Results: A total of patients were referred for a COPD exacerbation warranting hospitalization; patients were randomized to receive IV therapy, and to receive oral therapy. Overall treatment failure within 90 days was similar, as follows: IV prednisolone, There were also no differences in early ie, within 2 weeks treatment failure Over 1 week, clinically relevant improvements were found in spirometry and health-related quality of life, without significant differences between the two treatment groups.
Conclusion: Therapy with oral prednisolone is not inferior to IV treatment in the first 90 days after starting therapy. We suggest that the oral route is preferable in the treatment of COPD exacerbations. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials. Abstract Background: Treatment with systemic corticosteroids for exacerbations of COPD results in improvement in clinical outcomes.
Publication types Randomized Controlled Trial. Substances Glucocorticoids Prednisolone. Associated data ClinicalTrials.
prednisone (Prednisone Intensol, Rayos); hydrocortisone (Cortef); prednisolone (Prelone); methylprednisolone (Medrol); dexamethasone (Dexamethasone Intensol). Read about prednisolone, a steroid that works to treat inflammation in people with COPD by working to soothe and helping to heal the lining of the airways. prednisone (Prednisone Intensol, Rayos); hydrocortisone (Cortef); prednisolone (Prelone); methylprednisolone (Medrol); dexamethasone (Dexamethasone Intensol). Methods: Patients hospitalized for an exacerbation of COPD were randomized to receive 5 days of therapy with prednisolone, 60 mg IV or orally. Treatment failure. Corticosteroids improve airflow limitation in asthma and have been tried in COPD. This review found treatment with oral steroids improved. Antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem worldwide. Health topics:. Prior to discharge, patients should be clinically stable for a minimum of 12 to 24 hours and should need inhaled short-acting beta 2 -agonists no more than every 4 hours.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD is a term used to describe a few serious lung conditions.
These include emphysema , chronic bronchitis , and nonreversible asthma. The main symptoms of COPD are:. While no cure exists for COPD, several types of medication are available that can often reduce the severity of symptoms.
Steroids are among the medications commonly prescribed to people with COPD. They help reduce the inflammation in your lungs caused by flare-ups. Steroids come in oral and inhaled forms. There are also combination drugs that include a steroid and another medication. Each type of steroid works a little differently in controlling or preventing symptom flare-ups. These fast-acting oral medications are usually prescribed for short-term use, often five to seven days.
Your dose will depend on the severity of your symptoms, the strength of the particular medicine, and other factors. Prescription medication and other treatment decisions should always be made on an individual basis. However, a doctor can still use the drug for that purpose.
This is because the FDA regulates the testing and approval of drugs, but not how doctors use drugs to treat their patients. So, your doctor can prescribe a drug however they think is best for your care. Learn more about off-label drug use. Studies show oral steroids often help you start to breathe easier very quickly. This makes you less likely to experience complications associated with long-term use of the medication.
Side effects from short-term use of steroids are usually minor, if they occur at all. They include:. Oral steroids can lower your immune system. Be especially mindful of washing your hands and reducing your exposure to people who may have an infection that can be easily transmitted. The medications can also contribute to osteoporosis, so your doctor may advise you to increase your vitamin D and calcium intake or start taking drugs to fight bone loss.
You can use an inhaler to deliver steroids directly into your lungs. Unlike oral steroids, inhaled steroids tend to be best for people whose symptoms are stable. You may also use a nebulizer.
This is a machine that turns the medicine into a fine aerosol mist. It then pumps the mist through a flexible tube and into a mask that you wear across your nose and mouth. Inhaled steroids tend to be used as maintenance medications to keep symptoms under control for the long term.
Doses are measured in micrograms mcg. Typical doses range from 40 mcg per puff from an inhaler to mcg per puff. Some inhaled steroids are more concentrated and powerful so that they can help control more advanced COPD symptoms. Milder forms of COPD may be controlled by weaker doses. The combination products described below are more commonly used. If your symptoms are gradually worsening, inhaled steroids can help keep them from progressing too fast.
Research shows they may also cut down on the number of acute exacerbations you experience. If asthma is a part of your COPD , an inhaler may be particularly helpful. The possible side effects of inhaled steroids include a sore throat and cough, as well as infections in your mouth.
There is also an increased risk of pneumonia with long-term use of inhaled steroids. In these instances, an inhaled drug called a bronchodilator can help relieve coughing and help you catch your breath. To reduce the risk of oral infections, rinse your mouth and gargle with water after you use the inhaler.
Steroids can also be combined with bronchodilators. These are medicines that help relax the muscles surrounding your airways. Various medications used in a combination inhaler can target the large or small airways. Combination inhalers act fast to stop wheezing and coughing, and to help open up airways for easier breathing. Some combination inhalers are designed to provide those benefits for an extended time after use.
The best results occur if you take the combination medication every day, even if your symptoms are under control. Stopping suddenly may lead to worse symptoms. As with a standard steroid inhaler, use of a combination inhaler should be followed with a mouth rinse to help prevent infections in your mouth. Steroids may also interact with other medications. Mixing prednisone with painkillers such as aspirin Bayer or ibuprofen Advil, Midol , may raise your risk of ulcers and stomach bleeding.
Taking NSAIDs and steroids together for a long time can also cause electrolyte imbalances , which put you at risk of heart and kidney problems. You need to let your doctor know all the medications and supplements you take so they can inform you about possible interactions.
This includes drugs you may take occasionally for a headache. In addition to steroids and bronchodilators, other medications may be helpful in reducing flare-ups and controlling symptoms.
Among them are phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors. They help reduce inflammation and relax the airways. Steroids and other medications are only parts of an overall approach to treating COPD.
You may also need oxygen therapy. With the help of portable and lightweight oxygen tanks, you can breathe in oxygen to make sure your body gets enough. Some people rely on oxygen therapy when they sleep.
This is an education program that helps you learn about exercise , nutrition , and other lifestyle changes you can make to improve your lung health. One of the most important steps you can take if you smoke is to quit smoking. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, so giving up the habit is vital to reducing symptoms and slowing the progress of this life-threatening condition.
Talk with your doctor about products and therapies that can help you quit. Losing weight and exercising daily are also recommended to help minimize symptoms.
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How Well Do You Sleep? Skin Care. Steroids for COPD. Oral steroids. Inhaled steroids. Combination inhalers. Risks and warnings. Other medications for COPD.
Your COPD treatment plan. The bottom line. How we vetted this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
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