COPD — Practical Treatments, Inhaler Options & Flare-up Tips
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) makes breathing harder, but the right choices can cut flare-ups and keep you more active. This page gathers simple, useful advice on medications, inhaler options, daily habits, and what to do when symptoms suddenly get worse.
First up: inhalers. Short-acting bronchodilators like albuterol (Ventolin) work fast for sudden breathlessness. Long-acting inhalers (LABA, LAMA) are for daily control. Some people use combined inhalers that mix bronchodilators and steroids to reduce inflammation and symptoms. If you’re frustrated with one device or drug, check our guide “6 Alternatives to Ventolin in 2025” for practical comparisons and real-world pros and cons.
Inhaler technique matters more than brand. Shake the inhaler if required, breathe out fully, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, press and inhale slowly, then hold your breath for 5–10 seconds. If you cough or can’t coordinate, ask about a spacer or a dry powder inhaler — they change how you take the drug but can deliver medicine more reliably.
Daily habits that actually help
Quit smoking — it’s the single most effective step. Stay up to date on flu and pneumonia vaccines; lung infections often trigger bad exacerbations. Keep active with a walking plan or pulmonary rehab; even short daily walks build stamina. Watch your weight and hydration: being too thin or too heavy makes breathing harder. Finally, learn your baseline symptoms so you spot a flare early.
When infections or worsening symptoms happen, antibiotics and steroids are commonly used in treatment. Some antibiotics used for chronic lung infections are covered in our respiratory articles — for example, we discuss moxifloxacin in the context of serious lung infections. Never start antibiotics or steroids without medical advice; incorrect use can cause harm.
What to do during a flare-up
Start with your rescue inhaler as instructed. Use a short course of oral steroid only if your doctor prescribed one for flare-ups. If you have increased sputum, fever, chest pain, severe breathlessness at rest, blue lips, or confusion, go to the emergency room. Also call your care team if you need rescue inhaler more often than usual — that’s a sign your baseline treatment may need to change.
If you use oxygen therapy, follow your provider’s setup and safety rules — oxygen is helpful when prescribed but can be dangerous if misused. Keep a written action plan from your doctor that lists daily meds, signs of worsening, and step-by-step actions. That plan makes decisions faster when you feel unwell.
Want quick reads? Start with our inhaler alternatives guide and then explore articles about lung infections and COPD-friendly lifestyle tips. If you have specific questions about drugs or devices, bring them to your clinic visit — a small change in inhaler type or technique often makes a big difference.
Stay practical: learn your inhaler, track symptoms, get vaccinated, move a little each day, and call for help early when things change.