Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term condition that can’t be completely cured, but early treatment can make a difference. Lifestyle changes, medication, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen, and surgery are all treatment options that can help. The most successful treatment usually involves a combination of medical interventions and behavioral changes. Learning about treatment options can help you feel more in control as you work with your doctor to effectively manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Successful COPD treatment usually involves a combination of medical interventions and behavioral changes.
Exercising may seem like a challenge when you have trouble breathing from COPD. But it can also decrease your symptoms.
If you are a smoker with COPD, you can noticeably improve your health by putting the cigarettes away for good.
In 2011 researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) in Boston, MA discovered the presence of stem cells in the lungs
Control your discomfort, reduce your risk of complications, and improve your quality of life by taking some simple steps at home.
Lifestyle changes only go so far—most likely, you’ll need a drug or combination of drugs to help control your COPD symptoms.
While scientific evidence is limited, a number of over-the-counter herbs, dietary supplements, and even foods and beverages have shown promise for relieving symptoms common to COPD.
The majority of COPD medications work best when they are inhaled directly into the lungs through an inhaler or a nebulizer.
Coughing can interfere with social events, like going to the movies, and it can prevent you from falling asleep at night.
Breathing exercises like pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing can significantly ease your COPD symptoms.
Pulmonary rehabilitation emphasizes stabilizing or even reversing the extra-pulmonary effects of COPD. In other words, it's about making your lungs stronger.
Meditation can help you to cope with many of the psychological aspects associated with COPD such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
While there is no cure for emphysema, treatments are available to relieve symptoms and prevent further lung damage.
Several herbs have been used for centuries to alleviate the symptoms of COPD.
Yoga is an excellent form of exercise for almost anyone with COPD. It is relatively low impact, and it can help to improve both emotional and physical health.
