There's currently no cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but treatment can help slow the progression of the condition and control the symptoms.

Treatments include:

• stopping smoking – if you have COPD and you smoke, this is the most important thing you can do
• inhalers and tablets – to help make breathing easier
• pulmonary rehabilitation – a specialised programme of exercise and education
• surgery or a lung transplant – although this is only an option for a very small number of people

A doctor will discuss the various treatment options with you.

Stop smoking

If you smoke, stopping is the most effective way to prevent COPD getting worse. Although any damage done to your lungs and airways cannot be reversed, giving up smoking can help prevent further damage.

This may be all the treatment that's needed in the early stages of COPD, but it's never too late to stop – even people with more advanced COPD will benefit from quitting.

If you think you need help to stop smoking, visit Quit smoking for free advice and support.

Inhalers

If COPD is affecting your breathing, you'll usually be given an inhaler. This is a device that delivers medicine directly into your lungs as you breathe in.

A doctor or nurse will advise you on how to use an inhaler correctly and how often to use it.

Pulmonary rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a specialised programme of exercise and education designed to help people with lung problems such as COPD.

It can help improve how much exercise you're able to do before you feel out of breath, as well as your symptoms, self-confidence and emotional wellbeing.

Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes usually involve 2 or more group sessions a week for at least 6 weeks.

A typical programme includes:

• physical exercise training tailored to your needs and ability – such as walking, cycling and strength exercises
• education about your condition for you and your family
• dietary advice
• psychological and emotional support