There is currently no cure for COPD however patients affected by this disease can take steps to slow down its progression. The main one being smoking cessation. Lung function stabilizes after smoking cessation and will decline at a much slower rate. If one is a successive smoker, lung function declines more rapidly. The earlier the detection and diagnosis of the disease, the earlier treatment can commence and suitable treatment varies from patient to patient as it has to consider the severity of their symptoms. Bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medication help improve the performance of the lungs and reduce the likelihood of developing exasperations. In more sever cases surgical procedures may be the best option to help increase patients’ quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation is the main factor that play enormous role in slowing down the disease progression, this involves lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, improved nutrition and exercise. Physical exercise also lowers dyspnea and increases the time one takes to exhail, therefore decreasing dynamic hyperinflation.(Bhatia and Fromer, 2011)

CONCLUSION/DISCUSSION:

Research / future

Although no cure is readily available, many crucial steps can be taken to feel better, stay more active and slow disease progression. The two major lifestyle changes that contribute largely to slowing down the disease progression are smoking cessation and increase physical activity. Without a doubt physical exercise plays a crucial role in ones wellbeing and the prevention and treatment of various diseases, it seems astonishing that there still is an absence of more informative guidelines for this within the medical environment. It is important that appropriate pulmonary rehabilitation programmes are put in place and are tailored to cater for individualism to improve their quality of life.

Bhatia, R. and Fromer, L. (2011). Diagnosing and treating COPD: understanding the challenges and finding solutions. International Journal of General Medicine, p.729.