COPD Medication & Support
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious condition that causes difficulty with breathing. At Pharmacy 575, we are proud to provide a full range of prescription COPD medication as well as tools and accessories that are able to help with treatment.
Visit our pharmacy today and let our staff of experts help you find what you need to live better with COPD.
COPD Causes & Symptoms
COPD can have a variety of causes, with most causes being environmental. Long-term exposure to irritants can at times cause issues in the lungs which can result in COPD. A common cause of COPD is smoking.
Other diseases are known to contribute to or increase your risk of COPD. Asthma sufferers have a chance of developing COPD. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are also contributors to COPD.
People with COPD in most cases will experience a variety of symptoms related to their breathing. These symptoms include being short of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, chronic cough, fatigue and frequent respiratory infections.
COPD is considered a “progressive disease", meaning that it worsens over time, but can still be manageable with lifestyle changes, symptom control and proper medication.
Common COPD Treatments & Medications
Many COPD treatments are similar to treatments that are used for asthma. Similar to asthma, inhalers are common method for treating COPD. This COPD treatment comes in fast-acting “rescue” inhalers for immediate relief as well as long-term maintenance inhalers that improve lung functionality over time.
Bronchodilators are fast-acting inhalers that work by opening airways in the lung. The most common drug found in bronchodilators is Albuterol. Typical brands of albuterol medication are Proair and Ventolin.
Corticosteroids are a long-term medication for COPD that assist with reducing inflammation in the lungs. These are often taken through an inhaler or a nebulizer, but can also come in injections or a pill for fast acting relief when needed. Flovent and Pulmicort are common brands of corticosteroid medications.
Doctors may prescribe methylxanthines for more severe cases of COPD. These come as a pill or liquid that can be taken daily and reduce inflammation by relaxing muscles around the airways.
Because COPD may result in chronic cough and a buildup of mucus in the lungs, drugs designed to reduce mucus are at times prescribed to help treat COPD. Carbocysteine and erdostein are common mucoactive drugs that help reduce or thin mucus.
COPD sufferers are also advised to get regular flu vaccines as respiratory infections can worsen COPD symptoms.