Short-acting bronchodilator inhalers are the initial line of therapy for most persons with COPD. Bronchodilators are medications that relax and enlarge your airways, making breathing easier. Short-acting bronchodilator inhalers are classified into two types: beta-2 agonist inhalers such as salbutamol and terbutaline. These are used to treat acute attacks or sudden worsening of symptoms of COPD. Long-acting beta-2 adrenergic inhalers are also called anti-inflammatory agents because they reduce the amount of inflammation in your body. Examples include formoterol and salmeterol. Long-acting beta-2 adrenergic inhalers are used daily or after episodes of exacerbation to prevent future attacks. In some cases, a long-acting alpha-1 antagonist may be used along with a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic inhaler to reduce lung hyperinflation and improve exercise tolerance. Lung resection is an option for people with severe COPD who experience multiple episodes of exacerbation despite using both short-and long-acting bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory agents. The surgery removes part of the lungs through an open chest operation or laparoscopically. The remaining parts of the lungs function normally while the diseased parts of the lungs are removed. After lung resection, people must use oxygen even during sleep to allow blood flow to the newly healthy tissue.