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Currently, there is no cure for COPD/COLD. However,
medications are available that can help treat the symptoms and complications.
Lifestyle changes can also make a significant impact on the progression
of the condition.
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If you smoke, quitting is the single
most important step you can take. Quitting smoking will make
a huge difference to the rate at which your disease progresses.
While the damage already done to your airways cannot be reversed,
stopping smoking helps to prevent the progression of the condition.
It is never too late to stop smoking at any stage of the disease.
Even if you have fairly advanced COPD/COLD, you are likely to benefit
and prevent further progression of the disease. However, do
bear in mind that the earlier you quit, the smaller is the degree
of permanent damage to your lungs.
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Bronchodilators are medicines that
relax the muscles around the airways in your lungs, allowing them
to dilate. Air flow in and out of the airways is therefore improved
and symptoms are reduced.
There are three types of bronchodilators - beta-agonists,
anticholinergics and theophyllines. Your doctor will discuss
with you which of these medications or combination works best
for you.
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Corticosteroids ("steroids") help reduce airway inflammation
and decrease mucus production. Inhaled corticosteroids and oral
corticosteroid pills are the two main types used to treat COPD/COLD.
Corticosteroid pills are sometimes prescribed for acute worsening
of symptoms (acute episodes) while inhaled corticosteroids are
usually used for those who have severe COPD/COLD with frequent acute
episodes.
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Your doctor may prescribe a short
course of antibiotics for an acute episode to treat any underlying
infection.
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Two types of vaccination may be given:
- Yearly influenza vaccination (as you are at higher risk of
complications like pneumonia if you suffer from influenza)
- Pneumococcal vaccination (for protection against pneumococcal
infection that can cause pneumonia). There is, however, less
established evidence on the usefulness of this vaccine.
Your doctor will advise you regarding these vaccinations.
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This may help some people with severe
symptoms. Your specialist doctor may order some blood tests and
lung function tests to assess whether oxygen therapy will be useful
for you. If prescribed, you need to be on oxygen therapy for at
least 15 hours a day for it to be beneficial. If you are found
to be suitable for oxygen therapy, regular use can help decrease
symptoms and prolong life. Remember that you must not smoke while
on oxygen therapy as it can lead to fatal fires
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Those who are assessed by their doctors
to be suitable for pulmonary rehabilitation will be referred for
a comprehensive, structured programme that includes education,
exercise training, psychosocial support and instruction on breathing
techniques. Benefits include improvement in the ability to exercise,
relief of breathlessness and fatigue resulting in an overall improvement
in the quality of life.
It is important to note that even if you are not on any formal
rehabilitation programme, you should try and be as active as
possible.
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Poor nutrition can make COPD/COLD symptoms
worse and increase the likelihood of getting an infection. Eat
a well balanced diet. If chewing and swallowing interfere with
breathing, take small, frequent meals.
Try to maintain an ideal Body Mass Index (BMI). The recommended
BMI is between 18.5kg/m2 to 23kg/m2.
| BMI= |
Weight(kg) |
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| height(m) x height (m) |
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The specialist doctor may offer surgery
as a possible treatment option in a small number of people with
COPD/COLD. For example, in some, removing a section of lung that has
become useless may improve symptoms; a few may even be considered
for lung transplantation. |
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