Effective COPD Treatments: A Comprehensive Guide

There is no cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but it can be managed with treatment.

Seeing a pulmonologist who specializes in COPD is an important step to getting the best treatment. 

COPD Treatments 

Quitting smoking 

For people who smoke, quitting is the most important part of COPD treatment. 

Medications 

Bronchodilators
Relax muscles around your airways 

Steroids
Reduce inflammation (swelling) in your airways

Biologics
Reduce inflammation and decrease flare-ups
Used as an add-on treatment with other medications for poorly controlled eosinophilic COPD

Combination therapy
Using more than one medicine at the same time

Lung therapies 

Pulmonary rehabilitation
A program designed by your healthcare provider (HCP) to teach you exercises and techniques to ease breathing

Oxygen therapy
Using an oxygen tank (with a nasal tube or mask) at home to give you extra oxygen

Noninvasive ventilation 

Done at home, noninvasive ventilation involves using a machine, such as a BiPAP, to get air into the lungs using pressure instead of a breathing tube 

Endobronchial valve therapy 

Places removable valves in the lungs to help trapped air escape, making it easier to inhale fresh air

Surgery 

Lung volume reduction surgery
Removes about 30% of the most damaged lung tissue, making the lungs smaller but better able to work

Bullectomy
Removes large, damaged air sacs that keep air from moving in and out of the lungs

Complementary/alternative treatments 

Meditation, deep breathing and massage
Used with standard treatments, complementary therapies may be helpful for managing COPD symptoms

Clinical trials 

Research studies that test new treatments may offer a treatment option for some people with COPD. 

Your HCP, the COPD Foundation or the American Lung Association can help you locate an appropriate study.

You are not alone

You don’t have to deal with COPD on your own. The COPD Foundation, the American Lung Association or your HCP can connect you with support, including providers, advocates and support groups.

Resources

American Lung Association – Find a Clinical Trial

American Lung Association – Finding COPD Support

COPD Foundation – Actively Recruiting Research Studies

COPD Foundation – COPD360Social

This educational resource was created in partnership with the COPD Foundation and with support from Regeneron and Sanofi.