New Advancements In Treating COPD

COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is a progressive lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. Over time, COPD gets worse and the airways become damaged making it difficult to breathe. While there is no cure for COPD, recent research has led to improved treatments that can help reduce symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and slow disease progression.

Medications to Ease Symptoms

Several types of medications are used to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Treatment and its symptoms. Bronchodilators work to relax and open Airways by relaxing the muscles around the Airways. There are two main types of bronchodilators - short-acting used as needed for symptom relief and long-acting taken every day to prevent symptoms. Inhaled corticosteroids may be used along with long-acting bronchodilators to reduce inflammation and further open Airways. Oral medications called methylxanthines work in the lungs and other parts of the respiratory system. Antibiotics are used during flare-ups from infections to treat bacterial causes. Supplemental oxygen may be needed for patients with severe lung damage to improve oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Proper use of prescribed medications helps control COPD symptoms and prevents flare-ups.

Newer Inhaled Treatments

Emerging inhaled combination treatments pair two bronchodilators or add an anti-inflammatory to provide better symptom relief than individual medications. One combination called bronchodilator-corticosteroid contains formoterol, a long-acting bronchodilator, and beclomethasone, an anti-inflammatory steroid in one inhaler. This treats underlying lung inflammation in addition to opening Airways and is more effective than the separate components. Another dual-bronchodilator combines formoterol with glycopyrrolate, another type of bronchodilator. Taking just one inhalation provides 24-hour relief from symptoms. Newer inhaled treatments target multiple aspects of the disease to maximize relief from COPD while making treatment as simple as possible.

Lung Volume Reduction Surgery

For some patients with severe emphysema, lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) may be a treatment option. In LVRS, portions of the most damaged parts of the lungs are surgically removed, allowing the healthier areas to work more efficiently. This can improve lung function, ability to exercise, quality of life, and in some cases even life expectancy. Candidates are carefully selected based on the location of damage within the lungs seen on CT scans. While LVRS provides benefits for many, it carries surgical risks that require careful patient screening and consideration of less invasive options first. This procedure remains an important treatment alternative for specific severe emphysema cases.

Advancements in COPD care have led to improved medications that better target underlining disease drivers. Combination inhalers and new application methods make treatment simpler. While lifestyle changes and avoiding triggers remain important, new therapies give hope and help COPD patients better manage their condition. Continued research strives to advance understanding, prevention, and management of this all too common lung disease.

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