Frequently Asked Questions about COPD
SPIRIVA RESPIMAT (tiotropium bromide) Inhalation Spray is a 2 puffs, 1 time daily, inhaled prescription maintenance medication that has been clinically proven to significantly improve lung function. It works by opening airways to help people with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) breathe better—for a full 24 hours.
SPIRIVA RESPIMAT is not for sudden COPD symptoms. Always carry a rescue inhaler.
Delivers a soft mist that helps ease the effort* to inhale the medicine
Is steroid free
Helps keep airways open for a full 24 hours
SPIRIVA RESPIMAT is not for sudden COPD symptoms. Always carry a rescue inhaler.
Learn about what to expect from SPIRIVA RESPIMAT
* As with all inhaled medicines, the actual amount of medicine that is delivered to the lung may vary depending on correct use of the inhaler and the patient's ability to breathe in through the inhaler for at least 1.5 seconds.
While rescue inhalers treat sudden symptoms, maintenance treatments, like SPIRIVA RESPIMAT, are medicines you take daily to manage your COPD symptoms.
Yes. You should continue taking oxygen for your COPD as prescribed, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
COPD is a common, preventable, and treatable disease that is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. It can make it difficult to get air out of your lungs and new air back in. While there is no cure for COPD, with lifestyle changes and medication, you may be able to breathe better and manage your symptoms.
Some symptoms of COPD include:
Shortness of breath
Coughing
Chest tightness
Wheezing
Stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do to slow the progression of COPD. SPIRIVA RESPIMAT can help you breathe easier, even if you have smoked. One time daily SPIRIVA RESPIMAT is proven to help people who smoked a pack a day for 10 years breathe better.
Many things can cause COPD symptoms to suddenly worsen. Triggers include:
Cigarette smoke and smoking
Extreme hot or cold weather
Air pollution
COPD is a disease that can get worse over time, which means that symptoms can turn into something called a flare-up or exacerbation. It’s important to know what can cause a flare-up and what you can do to guard against them. SPIRIVA RESPIMAT has been shown to help significantly reduce the risk of flare-ups.
What can cause a flare-up?
Most flare-ups are caused by a lung infection like the common cold, so germs are a threat. Other causes, called triggers, can irritate your lungs and cause flare-ups. Here are some of the most common triggers that should be avoided:
Weather that is very hot, very cold, or very humid
Pollution outside from smog and ozone, or inside from tobacco smoke and wood-burning fires
Household cleaning products with bleach or ammonia
Allergies to dust, animals, or pets
Yes! Ask your doctor about ways to help you breathe more efficiently during the day. He or she can also recommend relaxation techniques to use when you’re short of breath.
In many cases, yes. In fact, exercise can have many benefits for a COPD sufferer. Some low-impact exercise, such as walking, stretching, and gentle strengthening exercises, can help decrease shortness of breath and improve your overall level of energy. Talk to your doctor before starting any new activities. Even with COPD, it may be possible and helpful to find an exercise program that works for you.
There’s a lot you can do to keep COPD under control. For instance:
Avoid triggers, such as dust or smoke, that can irritate your lungs
Get vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia
Avoid germs during cold and flu season
Get your family on board with encouragement and support
Take all medicines as recommended by your doctor