Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (cont.)
What else is available for treating COPD?
Pulmonary rehabilitation has become a cornerstone in the
management of moderate to severe COPD. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program of
education regarding lung function and dysfunction, proper breathing techniques
(diaphragmatic breathing, pursed lip breathing), and proper use of respiratory
equipment and medications. An essential ingredient in this program is the use of
increasing physical exercise to overcome the reduced physical capacity that
usually has developed over time. In addition, occupational and physical therapy
are used to teach optimal and efficient body mechanics.
Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) has received much fanfare in the lay press.
LVRS is a surgical procedure used to treat some patients with COPD. The premise
behind this surgery is that the over-inflated, poorly-functioning upper parts of
the lung compress and impair function of the better-functioning lung elsewhere.
Thus, if the over-inflated portions of lung are removed surgically, the
compressed lung may expand and function better. In addition, the diaphragm and
the chest cavity achieve more optimal positioning following the surgery, and
this improves breathing further. The best criteria for choosing patients for
LVRS are still uncertain. A national study was completed in 2003. Patients
primarily with emphysema at the top of their lungs, whose exercise tolerance was
low even after pulmonary rehabilitation, seemed to do the best with this
procedure. On average, lung function and exercise capacity among surviving
surgical patients improved significantly following LVRS, but after two years
returned to about the same levels as before the procedure. Patients with forced
expiratory volume in FEVI of less than 20% of predicted and either diffuse
disease on the CAT scan or lower than 20% diffusing capacity or elevated carbon
dioxide levels had higher mortality. The role of LVRS is at present is very
limited.
Next: Future Directions in COPD »
- albuterol, Ventolin, Proventil, AccuNeb, Vospire, ProAir - Specifies the medication albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil, AccuNeb, Vospire, ProAir) a drug used in for the treatment of asthma, emphysema, anc chronic broncitis. Albuterol relieves and prevents of airway obstruction (bronchospasm) in patients with asthma and in patients with exercise-induced asthma. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
- Pneumococcal Vaccination - Learn about pneumococcal vaccination (pneumonia vaccine) recommendations and side effects, and find out who should and should not be vaccinated.
- Lung Cancer - Get the facts on lung cancer treatment, diagnosis, staging, causes (smoking), types (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell), prevention, symptoms, warning signs and survival rates.
Latest Medical News
Lungs RSS