COPD Treatment Options
The good news is that there are many types of treatment options for people with COPD. You and your healthcare provider can work together to create the most effective treatment plan for you. Remember, once you have a plan, it’s important to stay with it, every single day, in order to feel your best.
There are two categories of inhaled COPD medication. The first group is fast-acting inhalers, and the second is maintenance medications.
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Fast-acting inhalers, also known as quick-relief or rescue inhalers, are bronchodilators. They help to open the air passageways in the lungs when symptoms happen suddenly.
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Maintenance medications should be taken regularly, every day, as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Taken every day, maintenance medications help to manage COPD.
Your doctor will tell you how to take your medicine. Follow his or her instructions with care, so that you get the right amount of medicine.
Oxygen therapy
Oxygen therapy is a treatment that has been shown to help certain people with COPD live longer.
Some patients may need extra oxygen to help their lungs function better and to breathe better. This is usually given through a tube placed beneath the nostrils.
Today, oxygen can be delivered in many ways, from small machines that concentrate oxygen from the air to liquid systems that are light and portable.
Important Safety Information About ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50
ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 is approved for adults with COPD, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. You should only take 1 inhalation of ADVAIR twice a day. Higher doses will not provide additional benefits. People with COPD taking ADVAIR may have a higher chance of pneumonia. Call your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms: change in amount or color of sputum, fever, chills, increased cough, or increased breathing problems. ADVAIR may increase your risk of osteoporosis and some eye problems (cataracts or glaucoma). You should have regular eye exams. Thrush in the mouth and throat may occur. Tell your doctor if you have a heart condition or high blood pressure before taking ADVAIR. Do not use ADVAIR with long-acting beta2-agonists for any reason. ADVAIR does not replace fast-acting inhalers for sudden symptoms.