Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

National Jewish Medical and Research Center details the different types of medications prescribed to treat COPD and what they do.

eMedicine describes different COPD medications, including how they work, possible interactions, whether they’re safe during pregnancy and other precautions.

The American Thoracic Society briefly describes the surgical procedures available to treat COPD. To read this two-page piece more easily, click on the “Open this document in its own window” link in the upper right of the page.

St. David’s HealthCare , a system of hospitals and other clinics in central Texas, suggests some complementary and alternative medical (CAM) treatments for COPD. Don’t start any CAM treatment or take any supplement without first talking to your doctor. Some supplements may interfere with medications you’re already taking.

The National Lung Health Education Program , a nonprofit organization that raises awareness of COPD, has advice for different treatments, such as using metered-dose and dry powder inhalers, antibiotics and nebulizers.

ClinicalTrials.gov is a clearinghouse operated by the U.S. National Institutes of Health that provides a list of clinical trials currently underway to research COPD. To learn more about clinical trials, speak to your doctor, and read the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's guide.