There is no definitive cure for COPD. Therapy is aimed at slowing the damage to the airways and relieving symptoms.
Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators (or relievers) are the main treatment for breathlessness caused by COPD. Although their relaxing effect on the airways is limited, they provide useful symptom relief.
Corticosteroids
In patients with severe COPD, regular use of inhaled corticosteroids may reduce exacerbations and symptoms.
Oxygen
In severe COPD, the level of oxygen in the blood is seriously reduced and supplementary oxygen may be very helpful.
In people with very advanced disease, oxygen is required most or all of the time.
Other therapies
Other drug therapies used in COPD include antibiotics for bronchial infections (“exacerbations”), mucolytics and antioxidants.
Lung transplantation is used occasionally in end-stage disease