medication for COPD

[humlies]

Hallo! I am new to this group and look forward to being part of it: I belong to the PMR group and have found it invaluable. I was diagnosed with COPD about 3 years ago, and seemed to have no symptoms until summer 2021. I have been prescribed medication and am wondering if it is better take it or try to manage without: apart from the help given, which will be better for my lungs - medication or no medication? Thank you and a happy new year!

[Damon1864]

Hello humlies lovely to meet you, if you have been given any medication I would take it. The GP must think you need it otherwise it would not have been prescribed but it's up to you. I hope this helps you decide. Please keep posting as it's a wonderful site with wonderful people. Have a lovely day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx

[Flyby7]

If I was you stick to the medication your doctor gave you

[DarrellP]

COPD has no cure. Prescribed medications are only to make our lives more comfortable so you don't gain anything by trying not to take a medication. The one exception would be a "rescue inhaler". This is usually just straight albuterol and we're told to take it "as needed". One or two puffs. Other medications should be taken "as instructed" of course. Daily, etc. The best thing you can do for yourself otherwise is to stay physically as active as you are capable. Going for a walk for example. The more we move physically, the easier it becomes to breathe. Wishing you the best in your journey.

[humlies in reply to DarrellP]

Thank you - I do stay as active as I can, but PMR and a recent cancer operation have taken their toll. However we have just managed a trip to Vancouver to see our daughter, which I think is no mean feat!

[Jocopd in reply to humlies]

If you have COPD then you cannot "manage" without COPD medication. Not taking your meds is only going to make it harder for you.

You may not feel you need it but when taken as directed - once daily or whatever - then it works behind scenes without you realizing it.

If you had a headache would you just suffer thru it? Or would you take an aspirin.

Our meds help our lungs function so we can breath better. They also help reduce exasperation's. Some of them reduce mucus and cough. Your lungs need the help.

[humlies in reply to Jocopd]

Thank you - I am getting the message that I should take the meds!