If you are a COPD patient, or a caregiver to someone who has COPD, there are many COPD medications that greatly improve management of COPD symptoms and intermittent flare-ups. Here is a list of common COPD medications that are likely to be prescribed to the COPD patient:
1. Bronchodilators
COPD patients are often prescribed medications called bronchodilators. Bronchodilators make it easier to breathe in COPD patients who suffer from shortness of breath. It works by relaxing and expanding the smooth muscle of the airways. Types of bronchodilators used in the treatment will depend upon the stage and severity of COPD symptoms. Short-acting bronchodilators like anticholinergics such as ipratropium and beta2-agonists such as albuterol and levalbuterol are used for intermittent COPD symptomatic treatment. A combination of the two may also be used.
Short acting beta-agonists are used to treat shortness of breath that comes and goes on and off. They are effective in the treatment of symptoms that last for a short period of time. Long acting beta-agonists are used to treat symptoms that last say the entire night or over 12 hours.
2. Corticosteroids
If you have COPD, your doctor may have prescribed Corticosteroids like prednisone as part of your COPD treatment plan. Though these steroids have many benefits, they also have serious risks and side effects. They are particularly useful in the treatment of flare-ups or COPD exacerbations when all symptoms are greatly worse and threaten severe
breathing problems.
3. Oxygen Therapy
Lung and airways damage in COPD patients gives their blood less oxygen than necessary for organs to function properly. Doctors suggest oxygen therapy to infuse more oxygen into the lungs. Patients often use an oxygen tank at home to inhale their required dose of oxygen.
4. Metered Dose Inhalers
Metered Dose Inhalers are used to administer a measured dose of medicine directly to the lungs of a COPD patient. Since they are highly effective, it is believed that less dosage amounts than that in a pill could be used for treating symptoms. Nebulizers are also found to work very effectively and are conveniently portable.
5. Methylzanthines are Expectorants
Though these two medication options can be effective, due to the risks associated with them they are being eased out of treatments for COPD.
6. Flu Vaccine
Flu shots will not help to prevent flu, they can also help COPD patients fight off potential exacerbations of symptoms that worsen when they get flu..
7. Pneumonia Vaccine
People with COPD are at greater risk for developing pneumococcal pneumonia, a serious lung infection. Even if you have already had a pneumonia vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that certain high-risk groups have a second dose. If you are a COPD patient take your doctor’s advice to know if you need another shot.
8. Antibiotics
People with COPD are more prone to bacterial lung infections than most others due to the poor health of their lungs. If you contract a bacterial lung infection, then your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. Antibiotic therapy may not be used to treat a simple virus but COPD patients with bacterial lung infection may benefit from it.