Effective COPD treatment in 2025

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Steroids, especially inhaled corticosteroids, reduce inflammation and swelling in the airways. They are often prescribed alongside bronchodilators for people with severe COPD or frequent exacerbations.

In 2024, new drugs combining bronchodilators with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were approved, offering better symptom control and mucus clearance.

Antibiotics and treatment of COPD exacerbations

COPD exacerbations often result from infections. In these cases, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to combat bacterial infections. It's important to have a plan of action with your doctor to ensure COPD exacerbations are quickly diagnosed and treated.

Pulmonary rehabilitation and lifestyle changes

Medications are only one part of effective COPD treatment. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a supervised program that includes exercise training, education, and breathing techniques to help improve lung function and overall well-being.

The benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation include:

• Increased respiratory capacity
• Greater capacity for physical exertion
• Reduction of symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath
• Better mental health and quality of life

Many rehabilitation programs now offer remote options via phone, internet, or mobile apps, making it easier to access support regardless of where you live.

In addition to rehabilitation, lifestyle changes are crucial. Quitting smoking is the most important step to slowing the progression of COPD. Avoiding lung irritants such as dust, chemicals, and pollutants is also important to prevent symptoms from worsening.

Oxygen Therapy: When and How It Helps

For some COPD patients, especially those with low blood oxygen levels, supplemental oxygen therapy is essential. Oxygen can be delivered through nasal tubes or masks and is used in hospitals, clinics, or at home.

Oxygen therapy improves oxygen supply to vital organs, reduces the workload on the heart, and can significantly increase energy levels and alertness. However, it's important to follow safety precautions because oxygen supports combustion—smoking cigarettes or using flammable materials near oxygen equipment is dangerous.

Side effects may include a dry or bloody nose, fatigue, or headaches, but overall, oxygen therapy is safe and improves quality of life for patients who qualify.

Surgical Options and Lung Transplantation

In severe cases of COPD, when medications and rehabilitation do not provide sufficient relief, surgical treatment for COPD may be considered. Several surgical methods aim to improve lung function by removing damaged tissue or improving airflow:

• Bullectomy: Removal of large air spaces (vesicles) that make breathing difficult.
• Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS): Removal of diseased lung tissue, which allows the healthy parts of the lungs to expand and function more efficiently.
• Endobronchial valves and stents: Minimally invasive procedures to help release trapped air and maintain airway patency.

For some patients with advanced COPD, lung transplantation can be a transformative option. It involves replacing one or both diseased lungs with healthy donor lungs. Although transplantation requires lifelong immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection, it can significantly improve the quality and length of life.