Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of obstructive lung diseases that impede airflow, making it difficult to breathe. This condition affects around 16 million people in the United States, with many more likely undiagnosed. Common symptoms include persistent coughing, wheezing, excessive mucus production, and shortness of breath. COPD typically develops from long-term exposure to lung irritants, particularly from tobacco smoke, but can also be caused by environmental pollutants, dust, or chemical fumes.
Understanding your COPD treatment options is crucial for managing symptoms and to help enhance your quality of life. While COPD cannot be cured, various treatments can help control symptoms, prevent complications, and improve daily functioning. Common therapies include oral and inhaled medications such as bronchodilators that help open the airways and inhaled corticosteroids to reduce lung inflammation. For patients who have difficulty using traditional inhalers, a nebulizer machine can provide significant relief.
Nebulizers, including mesh nebulizers available from Nebology, are well-suited for COPD patients. These devices turn liquid medication into a fine mist that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, ensuring that the medication reaches the airways efficiently. The fine mist allows patients to breathe naturally, making it easier to take in their prescribed medications, especially for those with severe shortness of breath or limited lung capacity.
Using a MDI with a holding chamber can enhance medication delivery by allowing the aerosolized medication to remain suspended longer, ensuring better delivery to the lungs. This is especially useful for COPD patients who may not be able to inhale quickly. With the help of a nebulizer suited to your needs, managing COPD symptoms may become easier helping you to stay more active and improve your quality of life.
