COPD treatment goals are focused on relieving symptoms, improving exercise tolerance, and improving your overall health. Although COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) cannot be cured, seeking proper treatment as soon as possible can help slow down the progression of the disease. Common COPD treatment options include bronchodilators, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, and surgery.
COPD Treatment: An Introduction
Quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of developing
COPD (chronic pulmonary obstructive disease) and to slow down the progress of the disease.
Your doctor will recommend COPD treatment that helps relieve your symptoms and helps you breathe easier. However, COPD cannot be cured.
The goals of COPD treatment are to:
- Relieve your symptoms with no or minimal side effects
- Slow down the progress of the disease
- Improve your exercise tolerance (your ability to stay active)
- Prevent and treat complications and sudden onset of problems
- Improve your overall health.
COPD treatment is different for each person. It is based on whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. Your family doctor may also recommend that you see a lung specialist called a pulmonologist.
Treatment for COPD may involve one (or a combination) of these methods:
- Medications
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Oxygen
- Surgery.
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