Therapy of COPD focuses on maintaining lung function, rather than improvement as the lung has typically undergone much damage by the time the patient seeks medical help.
What is COPD? COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is an ongoing inflammatory condition of the lungs that causes decrease in the ability of the affected patient to exhale air, thereby affecting capacity to inhale fresh, oxygenated air. Asthma is very similar but is “reversible”, meaning the changes are not permanent like they are in COPD. COPD is not contagious but is typically caused by smoking, although there are genetic causes as well. Treatment involves limiting the decrease in lung function that occurs in the aging COPD patient.
Not all medications work for everyone, not only because of efficacy but also because side effects can limit use. Therefore, an additional medication is always helpful.
Ensifentrine is now approved for maintenance therapy of COPD. Maintenance therapy is taken regularly, usually daily or multiple times daily, whereas rescue therapy is taken during flares, typically characterized by shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness. This can be used as an alternative to other maintenance therapy or as an add-on agent to another maintenance therapy.
The studies used for approval showed effective bronchodilation, improvement of dyspnea and decreased rates of exacerbations.
If you would like to be evaluated for use of ensifentrine, Dr. Wendt and her staff at Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives would love to help.
Call 480-500-1902 or request an appointment at https://relieveallergyaz.com/contact now! Begin your allergy testing journey with Dr. Wendt at Relieve Allergy in Scottsdale, Arizona—It’s time to take care of yourself!
Learn more about Dr. Wendt and Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives at www.relieveallergyaz.com or connect with us: https://www.facebook.com/RelieveAllergy/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-wendt/, https://x.com/RelieveAllergy, https://www.instagram.com/relieve_allergy/ or https://www.youtube.com/@JulieWendt-qx7jm. Did you know? Dr. Wendt wrote the book on allergies. Buy it at: https://geni.us/WhatsEatingOurKids
Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives is located near Kierland Commons, 21803 N. Scottsdale Road Ste. 200, and has convenient evening and morning hours to accommodate your schedule. Dr. Wendt is also available for telemedicine appointments as appropriate. Most insurance plans are accepted.
DISCLAIMER: This blog is not meant to substitute for medical care by an Allergist-Immunologist nor is it intended to provide medical advice or imply a Physician-Patient relationship with its readers or their family. It is intended to provide guidance, direction, and moral support from someone experienced in testing and treating allergies. This is also not meant to be a “do-it-yourself” manual or a “how to” overcome your allergies. Some of the issues mentioned, whether allergic or look-a-like, can be dangerous or if left unchecked, deadly. Please develop a relationship with a Physician you trust to help you with diagnosis, advice, questions, and treatment regarding your and your family’s medical conditions.
