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Medical treatments for chronic bronchitis and emphysema (COPD)
There is no cure for chronic bronchitis or emphysema. However, it is possible to improve the well-being of the sick person and slow the progression of their disease.
With cessation of smoking and good medical monitoring, if the disease is not too advanced, it may be possible to resume activities previously neglected due to shortness of breath.
Smoking cessation
Quitting smoking is the most important and also the most overlooked measure. This is the first intervention to be undertaken as soon as possible to improve the quality of life. In smokers, the degradation of respiratory capacities occurs on average 3 to 4 times faster than that observed with normal aging of lungs. A person who quits smoking returns to a normal rate of degradation.
Adaptation and follow-up
Many hospitals have clinics specializing in COPD or teaching centers on COPD (see Sites of interest). Services may include nutritional counseling, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, smoking cessation assistance, etc. You learn to familiarize yourself with medication and respiratory rehabilitation exercises. THE’efficiency treatment relies heavily on the involvement of the affected person. the medical monitoring is also very important. When the symptoms exacerbate, it is advisable to see your doctor again.
pharmaceuticals
Bronchodilators. In order to treat the breathless, the doctor usually prescribes bronchodilators in the form ofinhalers (The pumps). There are several types, such as beta2 agonists and anticholinergics. Among the beta2 agonists are salbutamol (Ventolin®) and terbutaline (Bricanyl®), short-acting (4 to 6 hours), and formoterol (Oxeze®) and salmeterol (Serevent®), long-acting (12 hours). Anticholinergics include ipratropium bromide (Atrovent®), which has a short-lived effect, and tiotropium (Spiriva®), which is taken only once a day. Some inhalers have a quick effect and work in a few minutes, others take a little longer to act.
Other bronchodilators are used as tablets, such as xanthines. They are used less than inhalers, but are sometimes used in combination with them.
These medicines can cause unwanted effects. For example, beta-2 agonists sometimes cause tremors and increased heart rate.
Phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitor (IPDE-4). A new drug, roflumilast (Daxas®), was approved by Health Canada in December 2010 to treat COPD, in addition to bronchodilators. It may slightly reduce the number of attacks of exacerbation of symptoms. It would act by countering the inflammation present in the bronchi.
corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are mostly used when the disease is in a moderate or advanced stage to prevent or treat periods ofexacerbation symptoms (caused, for example, by air pollution or respiratory tract infection). They make breathing easier by reducing inflammation in the airways. They are usually taken in small doses asinhalers, on a regular basis (for example, Flovent® and Pulmicort®). Some preparations are combined with a bronchodilator (for example, Advair® and Symbicor®). Inhaled corticosteroids can have side effects, such as a hoarse voice and superinfection of the throat with fungus.
Corticosteroids in the form of tablets can be administered on an ad hoc basis. The prolonged use of oral corticosteroids is not recommended due to their even more serious side effects (weakening of the bones, increased risk of hypertension and cataracts, etc.).
antibiotics. Any infection of the respiratory tract (influenza, acute bronchitis, pneumonia) will be treated quickly, usually with the help ofantibiotics and cortisone tablets, to avoid an exacerbation that could lead to a life-threatening emergency, such as respiratory distress.
Remark. The use of long-acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids has been shown to reduce the frequency of exacerbating attacks of chronic bronchitis.
Patients are generally advised to receive a vaccin against the influenza every year, as well as a vaccine against pneumococcal infections. These infections can be responsible for pneumonia serious. |
Respiratory rehabilitation and physical exercise
La difficulty breathing may cause the sick person to lead a sedentary lifestyle, which weakens all the muscles and increases shortness of breath. Gradual relearning of physical effort significantly improves quality of life. Exercises that work the chest muscles are especially beneficial. Obtain the advice of a healthcare professional.
Oxygen therapy
If you have a acute respiratory distress, we will useoxygen. On the other hand, long-term oxygen therapy is indicated when the respiratory functions are so deteriorated that the oxygen level in the blood is constantly too low. It is administered daily at home using mobile equipment, and has the effect of reducing the consequences ofrespiratory failure on the heart and bring better comfort. To be effective, oxygen therapy must be used 16 hours a day.
surgery
It is possible to correct some harmful effects of distension of the lung caused byemphysema by surgically reducing the volume of this organ. Doctors use this practice in an exceptional way.
Tips for better everyday comfort:
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