COPD and Asthma Management

According to the ABS National Health Survey (NHS) held in Australia in 2017–18, 4.8 percent of people in Australia had Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) aged 45 and over, or an estimated 464,000 people.

Another national cross‑sectional survey comprising 91 Australian general practitioners (GPs) for COPD and Asthma Management revealed the following results on 2589 patients (288 asthma and 135 COPD):

76.4 percent of patients were with asthma, GPs classified asthma, and controlled asthma;
54.3 percent had a prescription from a doctor for inhaled corticosteroids (ICS),
Almost 84.9 percent were undergoing a combined COPD and asthma management, such as therapy, mostly at moderate to high dose;
42.9 percent had GPs classified COPD as mild;
Merely 26.3 percent of patients had a documented action plan.
60.9 percent of patients with COPD were suggested to undergo a combination ICS therapy;
36.7 percent were advised triple therapy.

At Multicity Medical Centre Bega, we offer a personalized approach to COPD and Asthma Management. To book an appointment, please give us a call on 02 6412 2033

Primary Care for COPD and Asthma

Monitoring

COPD gets worse over a period, which is why routine monitoring and follow-up are required. A part of it is carrying out spirometry annually to identify patients whose condition is declining fast.

A doctor asks specific questions about conditions a patient is experiencing through a questionnaire for COPD Assessment every three months.

Medical evaluations occur identifying symptoms, including sputum production, cough, dyspnea, activity tracking, sleep disturbances and smoking habits during each visit.

Managing Worsening Condition including Lung Function

Patients undergoing treatment for COPD receive the doctor’s advice to stop smoking. Besides, medications are prescribed to reduce symptoms, minimize the frequency, improve the severity of the condition, and improve workout tolerance.

Usually, medications with long-acting formulations are in priority. Currently, available medicines for COPD are not known to lessen the persistent decline in lung function.

One of the common reasons for COPD exacerbations is a bacterial or viral infection. The medications to manage exacerbations are steroids, bronchodilators, and antibiotics.

Systemic steroids may reduce the recovery time, improve hypoxemia, and improve FEV1, but using oral steroid medicines for long-term management of COPD is not advisable as it may lead to steroid myopathy.

Dual Bronchodilation

When it comes to COPD, initial treatment should be able to manage symptoms with combination therapy or bronchodilators, but not with ICS alone. It is ideal to Manage Asthma with appropriate controller therapy, including ICS, but not just with long-acting bronchodilators only.

There are two classifications of bronchodilators: β2 -agonists and anticholinergics, which increase FEV1 by alternating the muscle tone.

In recent times, both long-acting β2 -agonist vilanterol and anticholinergic umeclidinium have been available through once-daily inhaled preparation.

Besides, there is an ongoing development of a long-acting bronchodilator and anticholinergic, along with long-acting anti-muscarinic agents (LAMAs) on the market.

Managing Worsening Condition including Lung Function

Conclusions and Recommendations

The collaboration between the patients and the physician proves to be the most effective Treatment for COPD and Asthma. It is possible to provide support to the self-management of a patient for COPD or asthma by advising to stop smoking, prescribing medications, routine monitoring, and encourage maintaining physical fitness.

Patients should also receive adequate training to use the inhaler properly to manage their condition effectively. For COPD and Asthma Management, you can call us on 0244765588 to book an appointment today.

We care about your health and wellbeing just as much as you do.

Book Appointment