Treatment For COPD Flashcards
(18 cards)
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Physical exercise
Learn breathing techniques
Get information about managing stress, using inhalers and what to do when feeling unwell
Pulmonary rehabilitation course length
6-8 week course
Short-acting bronchodilator inhalers
Usuals first treatment
Dilates airways
When are Short-acting bronchodilator inhalers used
Used when feeling breathless up to 4 times a day
2 types of Short-acting bronchodilator inhalers
Beta-2 agonist inhalers eg salbutamol and terbutaline
Antimuscarinic inhalers eg ipratropium
Long-acting bronchodilator inhalers
Used if symptoms occur regularly or have exacerbated episodes
Also dilate airways- lasts for at least 12 hours
When are Long-acting bronchodilator inhalers used
Only need to be used 1-2 times a day
2 types of Long-acting bronchodilator inhalers
Beta-2 agonist inhalers, eg salmeterol, formoterol
Antimuscarinic inhalers eg tiotropium
Steroid inhalers
Used if long-acting bronchodilators don’t help enough alone
Contain corticosteroids which reduce inflammation
When are steroid inhalers used
Once a day
Theophylline tablets
Bronchodilator by relaxing smooth muscle and reduces inflammation
Theophylline tablets dosage
Taken x2 a day
Carbocisteine tablets
Mucolytic medicine to thin phlegm so it’s easier to cough up
Carbocisteine tablet dosage
3-4x a day
Steroid tablets
Reduces inflammation
Steroid tablet dosage
5 day course of treatment
Long term oxygen therapy
If have low oxygen saturation in body, can get at home oxygen through nasal tubes or mask
Used 15 hours a day
Ambulatory oxygen therapy
Portable oxygen concentrator that can be taken outside while active
Used as needed
