COPD medication aims to open airways, reduce inflammation, and prevent exacerbations.

Knowing the main options helps you and your doctor pick the right plan.

Short-acting bronchodilators work fast. Salbutamol (albuterol) and ipratropium are rescue inhalers you use for sudden breathlessness. Carry one and know how to use it.

Long-acting bronchodilators control symptoms day to day. LABAs like formoterol or salmeterol and LAMAs like tiotropium or umeclidinium keep airways open for 12–24 hours. Many people use a LAMA or a LABA daily to cut flare-ups and improve activity.

Combination inhalers mix bronchodilators or add inhaled steroids. LABA/LAMA combos are strong for symptom control. LABA/ICS combos help if you have frequent exacerbations or asthma overlap. Triple therapy (LABA+LAMA+ICS) is used for harder to control disease.

Inhaled corticosteroids reduce inflammation but raise the risk of pneumonia in some people. They are best for those with frequent flares or high eosinophil counts on blood tests. Talk to your doctor about benefits and risks.

Roflumilast is an oral medicine that lowers severe flare risk for people with chronic bronchitis and many exacerbations despite inhalers. It can cause weight loss, stomach upset, and sleep problems, so doctors weigh pros and cons.

Antibiotics and oral steroids treat exacerbations. Short courses of prednisone and a targeted antibiotic can stop a flare fast. Use these only when recommended; overuse causes side effects and resistance.

Vaccines matter. Get annual flu and regular pneumococcal shots. They cut the chance of infections that often trigger COPD flares.

Oxygen is a prescribed therapy for low blood oxygen. It helps breathlessness and energy when long term use is needed. Never use oxygen without a prescription.

Smoking cessation is the single most effective way to slow COPD. Nicotine patches, varenicline, and counseling increase quit success. Ask your team for a stop-smoking plan.

Correct inhaler technique is worth time. Many patients use inhalers wrong. Ask a nurse or pharmacist to watch you use it. Spacers help with meter-dose inhalers.

Check side effects. Common ones include tremor, fast heartbeat, dry mouth, oral thrush from steroids, and hoarseness. Rinse your mouth after inhaled steroids to reduce thrush risk.

Review medications regularly. As symptoms change, doses and combinations may change too. Keep a simple list of inhalers and doses to bring to appointments.

If you notice increased breathlessness, new fever, colored sputum, or confusion, seek care quickly. Early treatment lowers the chance of hospital stays.

Work with your healthcare team to build a plan that fits your life, activity goals, and other medicines. Small, consistent steps often make the biggest difference.

Pulmonary rehab and exercise boost breathing and quality of life. Programs teach breathing techniques, build strength, and cut breathlessness. Track symptoms with a simple diary and bring it to visits. Talk about drug costs—many clinics offer samples, cheaper generics, or patient assistance programs. If you travel, carry prescriptions, keep inhalers in carry-on luggage, and get an oxygen prescription if needed. Mental health matters; treating anxiety or depression helps you stick with meds and remain active. Ask questions often.