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Treatments for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Treatments for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

There is no cure for COPD. The goal is to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and slow the disease. This will involve:

The disability from COPD can cause dramatic changes to your quality of life. Treatment of its symptoms, prevention of complications, and progression of the disease require attention to a variety of behaviors. Because of these factors, some people seek out their treatment through a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program. These programs provide guidance and support as you learn to manage your COPD through medications, good nutrition, appropriate exercise, and good lifestyle choices. These programs work well for some people and may help optimize quality of life.

Treatment involves the following:

Lifestyle changes to stop habits that worsen COPD and adopt ones that ease symptoms

Medications to ease symptoms, such as shortness of breath

Surgery to improve breathing in some people

Other treatments to make breathing easier

Alternative and complementary therapies to further help ease symptoms

References

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). American Lung Association website. Available at: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd. Accessed April 21, 2022.
  • COPD. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/copd. Accessed April 21, 2022.
  • What is COPD? National Heart Lung and Blood Institute website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/copd. Accessed April 21, 2022.

Contributors

  • Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated:
2021-11-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.