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Vaccinations

• A flu vaccine is recommended for people with COPD, and is free from your doctor every autumn. Many doctors also recommend Pneumovax to help prevent pneumonia.

If you are using a 'puffer' it is important that you learn to use it correctly, and many people find that using a device called a 'spacer' is helpful. Ask your doctor, practice nurse or asthma educator show you the way to use your devices.

Relievers

Relievers help to keep the breathing tubes open. They are normally taken through an inhaler (puffer) but may also come as tablets or nebuliser solution. Some common ones are: Ventolin, Bricanyl, Atrovent, and Combivent.

Antibiotics

Chest infections can be a problem when you have COPD. Antibiotic treatment may be necessary if phlegm changes colour from white to green or yellow. Your doctor may give you a supply of antibiotics that you keep at home, or your doctor will ask you to ring the practice. You must always take the complete course of antibiotics.

Preventers

Preventers are a steroid medication, which works on the swelling, mucus, and tight muscle in the breathing tubes. Preventers come in inhalers or tablets. Only a few people with COPD are helped by preventers, so your doctor may give you a trial of the treatment for a few weeks to see if it helps you. If they prove to be useful they must be taken daily to have effect. Some common ones are: Flixotide, Becotide and Pulmicort.

Oxygen therapy

Many people think oxygen is given to treat shortness of breath. This is not the case - being short of breath does not mean you are short of oxygen. Low oxygen levels over months or years can put a strain on the heart, leading to heart problems. Oxygen is given to prevent heart strain and must be used for a minimum of 15 hours per day.

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