The Available Treatment of Acute COPD Exacerbation

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations are intervals of worsening symptoms that cause significant morbidity and mortality. Exacerbations of COPD are accompanied by a rise in systemic and airway inflammation as well as physiological alterations, particularly the emergence of hyperinflation. Respiratory bacteria primarily bring them on; viruses infect the lower airways and worsen airway inflammation. Some individuals are more prone to exacerbations than others, and as a result, they have lower health status and a faster rate of disease development.

The frequency and severity of COPD exacerbations can be decreased with the help of a number of pharmaceutical therapies, including inhaled steroids, long-acting bronchodilators, and combinations of these drugs. Non-pharmacological treatments such as home ventilatory support, self-management, and pulmonary rehabilitation are vital but still need to be researched in controlled trials.

Available Treatments

The management of COPD involves the treatment of COPD exacerbation and chronic stable diseases that include:

• Bronchodilators
• Corticosteroids
• Antibiotics
• Oxygen Supplements

Assuring adequate blood oxygenation and a blood pH close to normal, reversing airway obstruction, and treating any underlying causes are the immediate priorities. Although some acute exacerbations are brought on by bacterial or viral infections, the reason for an acute exacerbation is typically unknown. High levels of air pollution, smoking, and irritating inhalational exposure are additional risk factors.

Patients with sufficient home care can frequently receive treatment for mild exacerbations outside of the hospital setting. For observation and care, older, frail patients who have comorbid conditions, a record of respiratory failure, or acute changes in blood gas values are admitted to the hospital. Patients with untreated moderate to severe acute hypoxemia are experiencing life-threatening exacerbations.

• Bronchodilators

Medications known as bronchodilators assist in opening the airways by relaxing the airway muscles. Albuterol is one of the most often prescribed bronchodilators by medical professionals for patients with COPD.

Increased chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath may be signs of a COPD exacerbation. These symptoms may be alleviated by using bronchodilators or other lungs-opening medications.

• Corticosteroids

A COPD exacerbation can be brought on by increased lung and airway irritation. Corticosteroids can aid in symptom relief and the reduction of inflammatory inflammation. There are numerous different ways to take corticosteroids, including tablets, inhalers, and injections. Prednisone and budesonide are two corticosteroids that doctors frequently give to treat COPD exacerbations.

• Antibiotics

Those who have COPD are more prone than those who do not get a lung infection. COPD patients may be more susceptible to developing difficulties from lung infections, and these infections can cause an exacerbation. An antibiotic regimen may be recommended by a doctor if they believe a COPD patient has a bacterial infection.

• Oxygen Therapy

During a COPD exacerbation, a person’s oxygen levels may drop. Oxygen treatment can help raise blood oxygen levels and lessen symptoms like shortness of breath. A person will use a mask or nasal tubes to breathe oxygen from a machine during oxygen therapy. An oxygen therapy device is available for use at home.

Treatment options for COPD exacerbations depend on the nature and severity of the exacerbation. A person may occasionally require more than one type of treatment. Currently, there is no treatment for COPD. There are only methods to enhance the quality of life and halt the spread of illness. However, new research suggests that stem cells could aid in the treatment of this particular lung condition.

The extraordinary capacity of stem cells to differentiate into any type of body cell is known as pluripotency. They can locate damaged tissues in organs and are delivered intravenously. Stem cells can restore damaged lung tissue in COPD patients in order to treat conditions like emphysema or chronic bronchitis. The natural anti-inflammatory capabilities of stem cells can help people with chronic bronchitis clear their airways.

If you want to know more about stem cell treatment for COPD, get in touch with Advancells at info@advancells.com