Respiratory disease - Management
3 important questions on Respiratory disease - Management
What is the management for COPD?
Most effective method is smoking cessation- deaccelerates the decline of FEV1
What are the pharmaceutical options available for COPD?
Bronchodilators: short acting beta-adrenergic agonists or long acting in severe cases. More prolonged and greater bronchodilation is achieved with antimuscarinic agents. Any improvements to the FEV1 may be small and objective.
Corticosteroids: Moderate to severe COPD are eligible for trial on corticosteroids, as some patients may have a reversible element to their COPD- may reduce acute exacerbations. Reduce the inflammation. Most effective when used in conjunction with a beta-adrenergic agonist. Oral option is available but only viable for those with severe COPD.
Antibiotics: shorten exacerbations, given in acute infections.
Corticosteroids: Moderate to severe COPD are eligible for trial on corticosteroids, as some patients may have a reversible element to their COPD- may reduce acute exacerbations. Reduce the inflammation. Most effective when used in conjunction with a beta-adrenergic agonist. Oral option is available but only viable for those with severe COPD.
Antibiotics: shorten exacerbations, given in acute infections.
Oxygen therapy for COPD
Long term has been shown to be beneficial- improves survival, prevents the progression of pulmonary hypertension, decreases polcythemia and improves neurological help.
Home oxygen therapy-minimum of 15 hours a day but most benefit is seen when patient on for 20 hours.
Aim is to increase the PO2 to 8kPa= 60mmHg.
Home oxygen therapy-minimum of 15 hours a day but most benefit is seen when patient on for 20 hours.
Aim is to increase the PO2 to 8kPa= 60mmHg.
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