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Bronchodilators
Your doctor may recommend medications called bronchodilators that work by relaxing the muscles around your airways. They help open your airways quickly and make breathing easier. Bronchodilators can be either short-acting or long-acting.
- Short-acting bronchodilators last about 4 to 6 hours and are used only when needed.
- Long-acting bronchodilators last about 12 hours or more and are used every day.
Most bronchodilator medications are inhaled, so they go directly into your lungs where they are needed. There are many kinds of inhalers, and it is important to know how to use your inhaler correctly.
If you have mild COPD, your doctor may recommend that you use a short-acting bronchodilator. You then will use the inhaler only when needed.
If you have moderate or severe COPD, your doctor may recommend regular treatment with one or more inhaled bronchodilators. You may be told to use one long-acting bronchodilator. Some people may need to use a long-acting bronchodilator and a short-acting bronchodilator. This is called combination therapy.
Inhaled Glucocorticosteroids (Steroids)
Inhaled steroids are used for some people with moderate or severe COPD. Inhaled steroids work to reduce airway inflammation. Your doctor may recommend that you try inhaled steroids for 6 weeks to 3 months to see if the medication is helping with your breathing problems.
Flu Shots
The flu (influenza) can cause serious problems in people with COPD. Flu shots can reduce the chance of getting the flu. You should get a flu shot every year.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
This vaccine should be administered to those with COPD to prevent a common cause of pneumonia. Revaccination may be necessary after 5 years in those over 65 years old.
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