COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is not a curable disease. But timely treatment can slow the progress of the disease and make life easier for the patient. Based on the condition of the patient and the response of the body to the medicine, physicians suggest different kinds of treatments to different patients. Often, the most important treatment a patient can receive is smoking cessation. Since in the majority of cases, the cause of COPD is smoking, stopping tobacco consumption will considerably slow the progress of the disease. Smoking can be difficult to quit, as it is highly addictive. There are many nicotine replacement systems and self help guides to aid in this endeavor. Apart from this, many types of medicines are available to keep COPD in check. The use of bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory agents are often suggested to patients who experience severe breathlessness. Similarly, antibiotics are prescribed to patients suffering from acute exacerbations. Oxygen therapy is suggested for those who have low levels of oxygen in the blood. Psychological treatment can also help patients dealing with the emotional aspects of COPD. Many COPD support centers offer pulmonary rehabilitation programs that offer counseling and useful tips on combating the disease. These centers also provide information on exercises that can slow the progress of COPD. In severe cases of COPD, ordinary medicines may not work and surgery may be the only option. In these cases, a lung transplantation or lung volume reduction surgery is performed. In lung volume reduction surgery, the upper portions of the diseased lungs are removed. In some other cases, treatments like immunization or 'nocturnal noninvasive ventilation' may also be suggested. In nocturnal noninvasive ventilation, a mask hooked to a ventilator is attached to the patient's nose (or over the nose) at night. However, the effectiveness of this treatment is still not clear. Whatever is the form of treatment, a patient has to stop smoking to halt the progress of the disease. All other forms of treatment are only supplementary. If you suffer from COPD, treatment and control are the key ingredients to feeling well. |
