COPD: Treatment

This information was reviewed and approved by Russell P. Bowler, MD, PhD, Irina Petrache, MD (2/28/2021).

At National Jewish Health, health care providers believe people with COPD can lead active full lives. Our treatment goal is to help people with COPD take charge of their breathing and maintain their quality of life.

A COPD Action Plan will help you manage your COPD, and recognize an exacerbation.

An exacerbation, or flare, is a time when COPD worsens, and you may need to change treatment, or seek medical care.

A change or increase in symptoms may be the only early warning sign of an exacerbation.

When your symptoms are getting worse, you may notice one or more of the following.

More mucus or mucus that is yellow or green.

More shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing.

A general feeling of ill health.

Forgetfulness, confusion, trouble sleeping.

Lack of energy, or feeling constantly tired, and morning headaches.

Ask your health care provider to write a COPD Action Plan just for you. Keep a copy with you, and share it with those close to you.

Here are the important parts of a COPD Action Plan.

Daily care, what to do if your symptoms worsen or change and when to call your health care provider.

Daily care includes what you do every day to control your COPD.

Take your medicines, use oxygen if your health care provider has prescribed it for you, exercise regularly, eat a good diet and avoid tobacco smoke and irritants.

If your COPD symptoms worsen or change, continue your daily care.

In addition, use your quick relief medicine and start additional medicines as ordered by your health care provider.

Get plenty of rest, and call your health care provider if you do not improve.

If you have severe symptoms, such as severe shortness of breath, even at rest, fever, chest pain, feeling very sleepy or very confused, or coughing up blood, you need urgent medical care. Call 911 or have someone take you to the emergency room right away.

What are your COPD treatment goals?

Decreasing shortness of breath
- Read about COPD medication, breathing techniques, exercise and lung volume reduction surgery for ideas on decreasing shortness of breath.
Reducing exacerbations or flare-ups
- Learn about COPD medication, avoiding infections and COPD symptoms for ideas on reducing exacerbations or flare-ups.
Becoming more active
- Read about breathing techniques, healthy lifestyle and exercise for ideas on becoming more active.
Decreasing anxiety or stress
- Learn about breathing techniques and living with COPD for ideas on decreasing anxiety and stress.
Improving mood
- Read about living with COPD and exercise for ideas on improving mood.
Learning more about COPD
- Learn about patient education classes and support groups at National Jewish Health.

People with COPD should become active in the treatment and management of their disease. Participating in your treatment plan will help you and your family take charge of your breathing. Talk with your health care provider about treatment that will help you achieve your goals.

COPD Management Includes:

Avoiding Infections

Although it is important to take preventive measures to avoid lung infections, you do not need to isolate yourself from other people. There is no guaranteed way to prevent infections, however, if you are proactive with your vaccines, wash your hands thoroughly (with soap) and frequently; and are aware of your surroundings, then you will increase your chances of living an infection-free life. Learn about avoiding infections.

Medications

Your health care provider may prescribe medications to control the symptoms of COPD, like bronchodilators for COPD, combination bronchodilators and anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics. Learn about COPD medicines, tips for managing all your medications and techniques to inhale medications.

Immunizations

Immunizations for influenza and other respiratory infections (e.g. COVID-19) may reduce your risk of infection and exacerbations.

Oxygen Therapy

Some people with COPD may benefit from oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy is used to ensure there is enough oxygen in the blood to provide for the body's needs. Learn about oxygen therapy.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Because of the many aspects involved in the care and management of life with COPD, you may choose to participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation program, which involves tailored treatment for your needs. Learn about pulmonary rehabilitation.

Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS)

Lung volume reduction surgery is considered for adults with certain patterns of severe emphysema. Specific tests are done to determine if lung volume reduction surgery is recommended. These tests include breathing tests, a chest CT scan, arterial blood gas (ABG), lung perfusion study and exercise test. Learn more about LVRS.

Clinical Trials

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