In a recent study that followed 1,615 people with COPD, 55 percent who completed a pulmonary rehabilitation program had a significant improvement in survival compared with those who didn't complete the program. The findings, which were presented at the American Thoracic Society's 2012 International Conference, support the need for pulmonary rehabilitation, a program which combines exercise, condition management, nutrition, and emotional support.
Since COPD symptoms, like air hunger, can cause anxiety and any progressive illness can cause depression, emotional support is an important part of COPD management. Although there are medications that help control COPD symptoms, lifestyle changes learned in a rehabilitation program are most likely to alter COPD progression.
"The most important thing I can do to slow COPD progression is not adding more medicines but stressing the importance of lifestyle changes like not smoking, good nutrition, and conditioning exercise," says Pichurko. "Medications improve COPD symptoms and make the work of breathing easier, but they don't extend life the way lifestyle changes do." Medications may be used to open the airways, reduce inflammation, and fight infections. Short-acting bronchodilators are used when needed to reduce COPD symptoms, and long-acting bronchodilators are used daily to prevent COPD symptoms. "Bronchodilators used through an inhaler cause less systemic symptoms and less interactions with other medications," Pichurko says.
Although there is no cure for COPD, careful use of medications, lifestyle changes, and emotional support can help you feel better, stay active, and slow down its effects.
