Understand your COPD medications to breathe easier 

If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you know how uncomfortable the condition can be. Fortunately, there are medications that can help ease symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The trick: taking them as instructed by your doctor.   

The types of medications your doctor prescribes will depend on your symptoms and how often they flare up. Here’s an overview of some of the most common COPD treatments. Plus, find advice for getting the most out of them. 

Common COPD treatments 

Bronchodilators 

Bronchodilators are used to control or reduce the effects of COPD. These drugs relax the muscles around your airways and opens them up so you can breathe easier. There are two types of bronchodilators:  

• Short-acting bronchodilators: Sometimes called fast-acting or rescue inhalers, short-acting bronchodilators are used when symptoms first appear. They work for about four to six hours. Some short-acting bronchodilators ease symptoms within three to five minutes. If your symptoms don’t improve with treatment or get worse, call your doctor or health care provider. If you can’t catch your breath, or if you have severe blueness of your lips or fingernail beds, a rapid heartbeat, chest pains, or confusion, seek immediate care.   

• Long-acting bronchodilators: These are generally taken once or twice every day to help stop breathing problems before they start. They work for about 12 to 24 hours.   

Most bronchodilators are taken using an inhaler. This is a handheld device that allows you to breathe in the medicine so it’s delivered to your lungs. Ask your care team to show you the right way to use your inhaler. Bronchodilators can also be given in the form of an oral pill.  

Inhaled corticosteroids 

If you have daily flare-ups, your doctor may prescribe an inhaled corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are steroids that help lower inflammation in the airways and improve lung function. Regular use can reduce how often you have flare ups.   

Inhaled corticosteroids are typically used daily. Your doctor might also prescribe a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid and bronchodilator.  

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Tips to get the most out of your medicine

Taking the right medicine at the right time can help you keep your COPD under control and avoid a trip to the hospital. Here are some simple tips for sticking to your medication schedule. 

• Pair your medicine with another habit. Everyone forgets to take their medication sometimes. Pairing your meds with a habit you already have can make it easier to remember. For example, plan to take your medicine at set times each day, such as while you’re brewing the coffee or making breakfast. Or give your pet a treat at the same time you take your meds. You might forget, but they won’t — and when they beg for a treat, that’s your cue!  

• Give yourself reminders. Visual or audio cues can be very helpful. One idea: Use a seven-day pillbox with sections for both morning and evening. Then, if it’s Wednesday morning and you see there are still pills in the Wednesday a.m. slot, you know what to do. You could also log in to your Blue KC Care Management app on your smartphone. The digital health ​​​management app​​ ​comes with your health plan. You can use it to set as many digital reminders as you need.   

• Ask about automating your refills. Many pharmacies have text alert programs or automatic refills to help make sure you always have your medicine on hand. You might also be able to set up mail or home delivery. Ask about bigger refills, too. Switching from a 30-day refill to a 90-day refill means lower odds you’ll run out of your medication.  

• Don’t let the cost stop you. If you’re concerned about the price of your medication, ask about lower-priced versions. Generic brands generally are cheaper and work just as well. Or there might be another low-cost option to try.   

• Check in with how you feel.  Are side effects from your medicine getting in the way of daily life? Talk to your doctor or health care provider. They might be able to change your prescription or dose to help you feel more comfortable. 

Lifestyle habits that help you breathe easier 

Medications are key to managing your COPD. But the right lifestyle habits can also lower your risk of flare ups and just help you feel better. Try these to start:  

• If you smoke, make a plan to quit. Long-term cigarette smoking is the biggest risk factor for COPD. E-cigarettes and vaping devices can also harm your lungs and make COPD worse. If you use tobacco products, log in to your Blue KC Care Management app to ask your care team about a smoking cessation program. It’s covered by your health plan.  

• Practice pursed-lip breathing. This simple breathing exercise helps slow down your breathing and improve breathing patterns. Start by breathing in slowly through your nose for two counts, keeping your mouth closed. Then pucker your lips as if you’re about to whistle and breathe out slowly for four counts.   

• Exercise regularly. Staying active can improve how well your lungs work. ​Exercise can be beneficial for those with COPD. ​Before starting an exercise program, check with your health care provider. In general, you should gradually work up to 20 to 30 minutes at least three to four times a week to achieve maximum benefits. A 20-minute walk once a day could make a difference.  

• Avoid high or low temperatures. Heat and cold can make COPD symptoms worse. High or low humidity can cause COPD flare ups. Experts recommend keeping your indoor air humidity to between 30% and 60% with a humidifier and dehumidifier. ​     ​  

When you combine taking your meds regularly with helpful lifestyle changes, you’ll feel better — and more in charge of your health. That goes a long way toward managing COPD  so you can keep living the life you love.  
 

Additional sources:
Pursed Lip Breathing: Cleveland Clinic 
COPD symptoms: Mayo Clinic 
COPD facts: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Indoor humidity: Lung Health Institute