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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - Management
What should I advise a person with COPD about their medications?
- Explain that the purpose of most treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is to control symptoms or to reduce the rate of exacerbations, but that only smoking cessation has been shown to slow the decline in lung function.
- Explain that the effectiveness of treatments to control symptoms will vary among individuals.
- Discuss the person's perceived clinical improvements and let the person's preference guide treatment decisions.
- Always consider stopping a treatment if no benefits are seen after an adequate trial period.
- Stress the importance of correct use of maintenance medication.
- Explain when and how to use inhalers, and demonstrate the correct technique for using them. For more information, see Delivery systems.
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