New Treatment Options for COPD
Managing COPD is crucial to improving patients’ quality of life. Treatments like STIOLTO can help. It is a prescription inhaler used to treat COPD.
STIOLTO
Stiolto Respimat is a combination of a LABA (olodaterol) and a LAMA (tiotropium). This dual-action inhaler offers patients better control of symptoms and has been shown to improve lung function and reduce exacerbations.
This powerful combination provides extended relief by keeping the airways open for up to 24 hours, reducing the need for frequent dosing. It also works to relax airway muscles to ease breathing. Some potential side effects include dry mouth, sore throat and increased heart rate.
Medications
1. Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators are paramount in COPD management. These medications help relax the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe. Options include short-acting bronchodilators like albuterol and long-acting bronchodilators include LABAs.
2. Combination Inhalers
Combination inhalers that mix different types of bronchodilators or include both a bronchodilator and a corticosteroid have become highly effective for managing moderate to severe COPD.
3. Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS)
For patients with frequent flare-ups or severe symptoms, inhaled corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation in the airways. These are often combined with LABAs in a single inhaler, reducing the frequency and severity of exacerbations. Examples include fluticasone-salmeterol (Advair) and budesonide-formoterol (Symbicort).
However, it is important to keep in mind that ICS may not be suitable for everyone with COPD, as they increase the risk of pneumonia in some cases. Doctors typically assess the individual risk before prescribing them.
4. Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) Inhibitors
For patients with more severe cases of COPD, PDE-4 inhibitors, such as roflumilast (Daliresp), can reduce inflammation in the airways. This oral medication is often prescribed in combination with bronchodilators for enhanced effect. PDE-4 inhibitors are taken orally rather than inhaled, which some patients prefer.
5. Mucolytics
Mucolytics help thin the mucus in the lungs, making it easier to expel. This is particularly helpful for patients with chronic bronchitis who struggle with excessive mucus. Medications like acetylcysteine can be beneficial for patients who have difficulty clearing mucus from the lungs.
Advanced Treatment Options
1. Biologics
Biologic therapies, also known as biological response modifier therapy or biotherapy, are a form of treatment that use substances derived from living organisms to treat disease. In the case of COPD, biologic therapy targets specific components of the immune system. Its use to treat COPD is being heavily researched. Although still being studied, biologics have shown promise in reducing inflammation and preventing exacerbations in patients with severe COPD.
2. Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV)
Non-invasive ventilation support, especially during sleep, has been found beneficial for patients with severe COPD. NIV helps improve oxygenation and reduces the need for hospitalization, offering long-term relief for some COPD patients.
3. Surgical Interventions
In severe cases where conventional treatments are insufficient, surgical options like lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) are available. In even more severe cases, lung transplants may be considered. These procedures are usually a last resort due to their risks and are recommended for only the most advanced cases of COPD.
When to Speak to Your Doctor
COPD requires ongoing monitoring, and therefore it’s important to understand when it’s severe enough to warrant a consultation for your doctor. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing:
- Increased shortness of breath: If you’re more breathless than usual, it may be a sign your current treatment needs adjustment.
- Frequent exacerbations: More frequent or severe flare-ups suggest that your current regimen may not be fully effective.
- New or worsening symptoms: Any new symptom, such as chest pain, extreme fatigue or persistent cough, should prompt a visit to your doctor.