Identify two (2) “Evidence A” recommended medication classes for the treatment of this condition and provide an example (drug name) for each.
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Identify two (2) “Evidence A” recommended medication classes for the treatment of this condition and provide an example (drug name) for each.
Non-pharmacological approaches include pulmonary rehabilitation and oxygen therapy. An interdisciplinary team accomplishes pulmonary rehabilitation. These programs address the patient holistically and can last six to eight weeks (GOLD, 2022). It entails dietary changes, smoking cessation, and physical activity (GOLD, 2022). On the other hand, oxygen therapy reduces the incidence of hypoxia and hypercapnia associated with COPD (GOLD, 2022). As such, the prognosis of the disease improves.
References
Celli, B. R., & Wedzicha, J. A. (2019). Update on Clinical Aspects of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 381(13), 1257–1266. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmra1900500
According to Stockley et al. (2019), bronchodilators such as beta-2 receptor agonists (salmeterol) stimulate beta receptors on bronchial smooth muscles to elicit relaxation and avert constriction and spasms. Bronchodilators such as anticholinergic agents (ipratropium bromide) inhibit acetylcholine and block vagally mediated reflexes, inhibiting the influx of calcium ions on bronchial smooth muscles, hence dilation (Celli & Wedzicha, 2019).
Celli and Wedzicha (2019) report that corticosteroids inhibit the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and other inflammatory mediators, control protein synthesis, and reverse capillary permeability. As such, corticosteroids prevent inflammation.
Identify two (2) “Evidence A” recommended non-pharmacological treatment options for this patient.
Bronchodilators and glucocorticoids are examples of recommended cases of medication used in the management of COPD. Bronchodilators are short-acting and long-acting (Celli & Wedzicha, 2019). Examples of bronchodilators include albuterol, salmeterol, and ipratropium bromide (Celli & Wedzicha, 2019). Both inhaled and oral corticosteroids can be used. They include fluticasone, budesonide, and prednisolone (GOLD, 2022).