How to Treat COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and a range of other disorders associated with obstruction of airflow in a person's breathing. COPD is usually caused by tobacco smoking but also can be attributed to air pollution and other risk factors. COPD is not curable but there are several methods used to treat and control this condition. Read on to learn how to treat COPD.
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Instructions
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Quit smoking. Tobacco smoking is the most common cause of COPD, including the use of cigarettes, pipes and cigars. Quitting smoking is the best way to slow the harmful progress of COPD and to prevent its initial development. It is also important to avoid heavy exposure to second-hand smoke.
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Avoid contact with lung irritants such as air pollution, dust or chemicals. Those who work around dusty areas and certain types of chemicals, or who breathe in fumes over an extended period of time are at high risk to develop COPD.
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Make an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss ways to relieve your symptoms and make breathing easier. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment for you, depending on the severity of your condition, and may refer you to a lung specialist, known as a pulmonologist. The goal is to slow the progress of the disease, treat your symptoms and improve your overall health.
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Consult with your doctor or pulmonologist about the best treatment options for you. Treatment approaches may include medicines, lifestyle changes, exercise training, oxygen therapy or surgery.
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Try different medicinal approaches. Bronchodilators are medicines that are often recommended to treat COPD, as they relax the muscles around your airway and make breathing easier.
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Make lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise training to help strengthen the muscles used for breathing and relieve your symptoms.
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Talk to your doctor about oxygen therapy and surgery for serious COPD conditions. These methods are usually only recommended in severe cases when other methods of treatment have not been successful.
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Commit to the treatment methods and lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor. If you have quit smoking, do not restart. If you are prescribed medicines, be diligent in taking the recommended doses and always be sure to refill them before running out. Stay strong by exercising regularly and eating healthy foods, especially proteins, and fruits and vegetables.
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Tips & Warnings
It is important to seek prompt treatment for COPD, as the condition may worsen over time.
Smoking of tobacco is the most common cause of COPD.
