For the many Americans affected by COPD – upwards of 12.7 million of them, according to the American Lung Association – help is on the way, in the form of three innovative treatments that are showing promising results.
COPD causes air to be trapped in the lungs when they are inflated. To counteract this, some doctors are using tiny coils, called Lung Volume Reduction Coils, implanted into COPD patients’ lungs to draw the hyper-inflated lungs closer together and restore elasticity, making it easier for the patient to breathe. The procedure is nonsurgical, with the coils inserted through the mouth or nose.
The Lung Flute is another form of COPD therapy that is seeing good results. This simple device helps clear mucus from the airways using sound waves, improving lung congestion and helping patients feel better throughout the day. Take a look at this video of someone demonstrating how to use the lung flute.
Additionally, a nationwide study showed that COPD patients who took azithromycin, a common antibiotic, daily along with their regular medications reported fewer symptom flare-ups. These new therapies could mean a higher quality of life for many COPD patients. Learn more about them here.
Utilizing a team approach to individualized care, Live Free Home Health Care provides a full range of personal and medical services, including Concord home care and senior care in nearby areas, to help alleviate the complications of COPD. For ten simple steps you can implement immediately to ease the symptoms of COPD, visit our free resources page, or contact us any time for a free in-home assessment to tell us more about your particular needs. Visit our Service Area page for more information about the communities where we provide care.