Respiratory diseases affect how well your lungs’ function. Common ailments include asthma, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, emphysema, and many others. In some cases, oxygen therapy and surgical procedures may be recommended to address respiratory diseases. However, medication is also used to relieve symptoms and improve lung function, and these drugs vary according to the type of respiratory issue being treated.
Pulmonary medicines include many categories and types of medication, including:
Along with chemotherapy, certain medicines have been developed to treat specific types of lung cancer. For instance, targeted medications are often recommended for non-small cell forms of lung cancer. Some medications prevent tumours from establishing new blood vessels, which stops tumours from getting larger. Other drugs prevent cancer cells from spreading by acting on specific genetic mutations known to be key in the spread of cancer.
Pneumonia can result from a viral or bacterial infection of the lungs. When bacteria play a role, doctors can prescribe antibiotics to cure the infection. Doctors can also provide cough medicine to ease symptoms until the infection clears. In the event the infection is accompanied by pain or fever, non-prescription pain relievers like aspirin and acetaminophen may be recommended.