Pharmacological and Nonpharmacological Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): An Overview

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a composite state with many characteristics that are agreeable to treatment. A well sympathetic of the physiology of COPD and better tackles to assess consequences have led to advances in our capability to cure this disease. Pharmacological methods can progress patients’ eminence of life significantly by dipping dyspnea and limiting exacerbations. Although, none of the drugs currently obtainable for COPD are able to deduce the liberal decline in lung function which is the trademark of this disease. The current pharmacological treatment of COPD is indicative and is mostly based on bronchodilators, such as selective β2-adrenergic agonists (short- and long-acting), anticholinergics, theophylline, or a mixture of these drugs. Glucocorticoids are not usually suggested for patients with stable mild to moderate COPD due to their absence of efficacy, side effects, and expensive. Though, glucocorticoids are suggested for severe COPD and recurrent exacerbations of COPD. New pharmacological plans for COPD need to be established because the current treatment is insufficient. Non pharmacological methods can also recover quality of life and extend survival for patients. Non pharmacological conducts have evolved speedily as a vital part of COPD treatment. They are particularly important as balancing interventions in severe or very severe disease, when there is loss in function, a reduction in quality of life and when psychological impairments further confound the disease. This present article discusses the used nonpharmacological managements for severe COPD patients (Education on number of topics, rehabilitation, long-term oxygen therapy, surgery, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, smoking cessation, nursing services and lung transplantation) and encouraging plans that relieve symptoms.