Managing COPD effectively often requires medication and, in some cases, oxygen therapy. Understanding your treatment options can help you work more effectively with your healthcare team and get the most benefit from your prescribed therapies. This guide explains the common treatments for COPD and how they help you breathe better.
Types of COPD Medications
COPD medications work in different ways to help open your airways, reduce inflammation, and prevent flare-ups. Most are inhaled, delivering medicine directly to your lungs where it’s needed.
Bronchodilators
These medications relax the muscles around your airways, allowing them to widen and making breathing easier:
Short-acting bronchodilators provide quick relief when you’re experiencing symptoms:
- Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) like albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin)
- Short-acting anticholinergics like ipratropium (Atrovent)
- Effects typically last 4-6 hours
- Used as needed for immediate symptom relief
Long-acting bronchodilators help control symptoms over time:
- Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) like salmeterol (Serevent) and formoterol (Foradil)
- Long-acting anticholinergics like tiotropium (Spiriva) and umeclidinium (Incruse)
- Effects last 12-24 hours
- Used daily to maintain open airways and prevent symptoms
Inhaled Corticosteroids
These medications reduce airway inflammation and are typically prescribed for people with frequent exacerbations:
- Examples include fluticasone (Flovent) and budesonide (Pulmicort)
- Usually combined with long-acting bronchodilators
- Help prevent flare-ups in people with more severe COPD
Combination Inhalers
Many people benefit from inhalers that combine different types of medications:
- LABA + inhaled corticosteroid: fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair), budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort)
- LAMA + LABA: umeclidinium/vilanterol (Anoro), tiotropium/olodaterol (Stiolto)
- Triple therapy(LAMA + LABA + inhaled corticosteroid): fluticasone/umeclidinium/vilanterol (Trelegy)
Other Medications
PDE4 inhibitors like roflumilast (Daliresp) reduce inflammation and are used for severe COPD with chronic bronchitis.
Antibiotics may be prescribed during bacterial infections or as preventive therapy for some patients.
Oral corticosteroids like prednisone are typically used for short periods during COPD flare-ups.
Mucolytics help thin mucus, making it easier to cough up.
Delivery Methods and Proper Technique
COPD medications are delivered through various devices:
Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) deliver a pre-measured dose of medicine when you press down on the canister. Using proper technique is crucial:
- Shake the inhaler
- Breathe out completely
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth or 1-2 inches away
- Start breathing in slowly and press the canister
- Continue breathing in deeply
- Hold your breath for 10 seconds if possible
Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) release medication when you breathe in forcefully:
- Load the dose according to device instructions
- Breathe out completely (away from the device)
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and create a tight seal
- Breathe in quickly and deeply
- Hold your breath for 10 seconds if possible
Soft mist inhalers produce a slow-moving mist that’s easier to inhale:
- Prepare the device according to instructions
- Breathe out completely
- Close your lips around the mouthpiece
- While breathing in slowly, press the release button
- Continue breathing in slowly
- Hold your breath for 10 seconds if possible
Nebulizers convert liquid medicine into a mist you breathe through a mask or mouthpiece:
- Place the prescribed medication in the medicine cup
- Assemble the nebulizer parts
- Sit upright and place the mouthpiece in your mouth or mask over your face
- Breathe normally until all medication is used (usually 5-15 minutes)
Oxygen Therapy
For some people with advanced COPD, the lungs cannot provide enough oxygen to the body. Supplemental oxygen therapy can help:
When Oxygen Is Needed
Your doctor may prescribe oxygen if your blood oxygen levels are:
- Below 88% during rest, sleep, or exercise
- Below 89% with certain complications like heart failure
Types of Oxygen Systems
Compressed oxygen tanks contain oxygen under pressure:
- Portable but heavy
- Limited supply
- Require regular delivery
Liquid oxygen systems store oxygen in liquid form:
- More oxygen in less space
- Portable tanks available
- Evaporates when not used
Oxygen concentrators extract oxygen from room air:
- No deliveries needed
- Stationary and portable models available
- Require electricity (or batteries for portable units)
Using Oxygen Safely
- No smoking or open flames near oxygen
- Keep oxygen at least 5 feet from heat sources
- Store tanks upright and secured
- Use only as prescribed—more is not better
- Carry backup supplies when traveling
Managing Side Effects
Most COPD medications are well-tolerated, but side effects can occur:
Bronchodilators may cause:
- Increased heart rate
- Tremors
- Dry mouth
- Headache
Inhaled corticosteroids may cause:
- Oral thrush (fungal infection in the mouth)
- Hoarseness
- Bruising
Oxygen therapy may cause:
- Dry nose (use water-based lubricant if needed)
- Irritation from masks or cannulas
Always report troublesome side effects to your healthcare provider rather than stopping medication on your own.
Creating a Medication Schedule
Taking medications consistently is crucial for COPD management:
- Use a pill organizer or medication app with reminders
- Link medication use to daily routines
- Keep a medication list with names, doses, and schedules
- Refill prescriptions before they run out
- Ask about simplified regimens if your schedule is complex
Remember, COPD medications work best when taken regularly as prescribed, even when you’re feeling well. If you have concerns about your medications or are experiencing side effects, talk with your healthcare provider about adjusting your treatment plan.
Create a medication schedule with reminders today to ensure you’re getting the full benefit of your COPD treatments. Consistent medication use is one of the most effective ways to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups.