Treatment For COPD Flashcards
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Physical exercise
Learn breathing techniques
Get information about managing stress, using inhalers and what to do when feeling unwell
Pulmonary rehabilitation course length
6-8 week course
Short-acting bronchodilator inhalers
Usuals first treatment
Dilates airways
When are Short-acting bronchodilator inhalers used
Used when feeling breathless up to 4 times a day
2 types of Short-acting bronchodilator inhalers
Beta-2 agonist inhalers eg salbutamol and terbutaline
Antimuscarinic inhalers eg ipratropium
Long-acting bronchodilator inhalers
Used if symptoms occur regularly or have exacerbated episodes
Also dilate airways- lasts for at least 12 hours
When are Long-acting bronchodilator inhalers used
Only need to be used 1-2 times a day
2 types of Long-acting bronchodilator inhalers
Beta-2 agonist inhalers, eg salmeterol, formoterol
Antimuscarinic inhalers eg tiotropium
Steroid inhalers
Used if long-acting bronchodilators don’t help enough alone
Contain corticosteroids which reduce inflammation
When are steroid inhalers used
Once a day
Theophylline tablets
Bronchodilator by relaxing smooth muscle and reduces inflammation
Theophylline tablets dosage
Taken x2 a day
Carbocisteine tablets
Mucolytic medicine to thin phlegm so it’s easier to cough up
Carbocisteine tablet dosage
3-4x a day
Steroid tablets
Reduces inflammation
Steroid tablet dosage
5 day course of treatment
Long term oxygen therapy
If have low oxygen saturation in body, can get at home oxygen through nasal tubes or mask
Used 15 hours a day
Ambulatory oxygen therapy
Portable oxygen concentrator that can be taken outside while active
Used as needed
