COPD is a severe disease of the lungs that affects one’s ability to breathe and decreases lung functioning over time. Also, known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD is usually a combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Traditionally, associated with smoking, there may be other causes of COPD such as exposure to chemicals or secondhand smoke. While there is no available cure for COPD, there are ways to treat the symptoms so that you can live a more comfortable, pleasant life. One way to treat COPD is through the use of bronchodilators, with are also used to treat asthma. Bronchodilators open the airways to make it easier to breathe. The best COPD bronchodilators include Symbicort, Advair, and Anoro Ellipta. Read on to learn more about the top three bronchodilators for COPD and what they can do for you.
Some of these treatments are among the newest COPD bronchodilators prescribed by doctors. Symbicort gained FDA approval in September 2017 for use in reducing exacerbations in adults with moderate to severe COPD. Anoro Ellipta gained FDA approval in December 2013 as the first once-daily dual bronchodilator for COPD. Another recently approved COPD medication not in our highlighted list is Breo Ellipta, which was also approved for COPD treatment in 2013.
Symbicort for COPD should be taken exactly as directed by a doctor. Often Symbicort is prescribed twice daily, and at least 12 hours apart. One or two puffs may be prescribed, but patients should use the inhaler one minute in between each puff. It's always important to shake the inhaler for 5 seconds before using it. Additionally, it may be advisable to rinse your mouth after use, as the medication can tend to irritate the mouth.
Anoro Ellipta and Advair are maintenance bronchodilators for COPD; they are designed to maintain lung functioning while reducing the chances of COPD flare-ups. Anoro Ellipta was approved as the first once-daily dual bronchodilator for COPD.
The common side effects of new COPD medications include nausea, headache, nervousness, dizziness and dry mouth among others. Symbicort may cause side effects such as headache, irritation of the throat and upset stomach. Talk to your doctor to learn more about the side effects for your prescribed medications.
COPD exacerbations are life-threatening complications that require emergency treatment. Fortunately, people with COPD can use anti-exacerbation bronchodilators to reduce the frequency of these complications. Advair is a dual-functioning COPD treatment that improves lung function while also reducing COPD exacerbations. Symbicort is also used for reducing exacerbations in adults with moderate to severe COPD.
The Anoro Ellipta bronchodilator gained FDA approval in December 2013 as the first once-daily dual bronchodilator for COPD. Anoro Ellipta, a maintenance inhaler, is taken once daily to maintain lung functioning and manage the symptoms of COPD. It is a combination of umeclidinium and vilanterol inhalation powder.
The Advair COPD bronchodilator was approved by the FDA in 2008 as what was then the only treatment for improving lung function while also reducing exacerbations.
Symbicort for COPD is a combination of a long-acting bronchodilator along with an inhaled steroid. In patients with COPD, Symbicort can be used to relieve symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath. The medication is deilivered through an inhaler, much in the same way as an inhaler for asthma is used.