Breathe Easier: 10 Amazing Activities Proven to Improve COPD Symptoms
5. Treatment

Certain medications are available to treat COPD. Bronchodilators usually come in inhaler form and help relax the muscles around the airways to relieve shortness of breath and coughing. Depending on the severity of the disease, inhalers may be needed before performing daily tasks, or they can be used on an as-needed basis. Inhaled corticosteroid medications and oral steroids are available to reduce airway inflammation and reduce exacerbations. Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors are designed to treat chronic bronchitis, and theophylline is an inexpensive drug that may help improve breathing.