Treatments

A neglected treatment may implement a massive gas production inside the lung leading to an emphysema, ballooning the lung, thereby causing a shortage of breath. This damages and deteriorates the alveolus.

Following therapies go beyond medication and apply to advanced and severe cases of COPD.

• Respiratory assistance

Respiratory assistance includes long-term oxygen therapy as well as respirators.

A long-term oxygen therapy is applied, should the partial oxygen pressure be chronically low. Oxygen is then delivered through a so-called nasal cannula, which increases the partial pressure. This method can even double the patients lifespan.

A chronically high carbon dioxide saturation in the blood calls for the work of a respirator. They may even be utilized at home.

• Reduction of lung volume

The lung is surgically reduced in order to decompress neighboring areas allowing a more fluent oxygen flow.

• Lung transplantation

Should latter therapies fail to improve the patients condition, the possibility of a full or partial lung transplant exists.