Introduction

It is important to remember that COPD is almost always a treatable disease. Between exercise programs, medicines, oxygen for those who need it and even some surgical options for selected patients, there is a LOT TO OFFER. And MORE to come!

There are many medicines available for the treatment of COPD. Some of these medicines can be taken as pills or capsules. Some are inhaled as a mist or a powder. During times of severe lung distress in a hospital, medicines may be given by injection or I.V. (I.V. means “intravenously.” This means the medicine is injected directly into a vein.)

All drugs, prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC), can have side-effects. Your health care provider weighs the benefits for you against the risk of side effects. He/she also considers the cost of the medicine.