Your doctor may prescribe one or more medications to manage your disease.
Some medications help open up the airways.
These medications are generally not absorbed into your blood, so there are fewer side effects than if they were taken in pill form. They usually are prescribed for short periods during times when your breathing becomes more difficult because of a respiratory infection. This is called a steroid taper. A small number of emphysema patients may benefit from taking oral steroids on an ongoing basis. Your doctor will tell you how much and how often to use this medication.