Are you suffering from severe respiratory problems? Have you heard of COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease of the respiratory system that causes a wide range of chronic respiratory conditions, including coughing, dyspnea, sputum production, impaired gas exchange in lungs, obstruction of airflow in the wind pipe, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightness in the chest.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine notes that a mortality rate of 10 years from the diagnosis of COPD is close to 50 percent.
 

Smoking is the main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, though you do not necessarily have to be a primary smoker to have COPD.
 

Is Spiriva Effective as Medication in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Treatment?
 

Spiriva (tiotropium bromide) is an inhalation powder that is used by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. With minimal side effects, Spiriva is an effective COPD treatment medication as it helps relax airways; keeps the airways open, providing relief by making breathing easy; prevents flare-ups and worsening of symptoms; and can help slow down the progression of COPD.

According to a study published in the Journal of Medical Economics, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment with tiotropium (Spiriva) has better health outcomes and is also more cost-saving than other medications and maintenance monotherapy treatments applied in treating COPD.
 

Side Effects of Spiriva Medication in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment
 

Spiriva medication should not be confused with a rescue inhaler. However, it begins providing relief and relaxes air pathways right from the first dose at the start of treatment. Those using Spiriva as treatment medication for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have shown lesser need to use rescue inhalers over a period of time.

Common side effects of administering spiriva to COPD patients include dry mouth; dizziness; blurred vision; constipation; trouble passing urine; rash; itching; and swelling of lips, tongue, and throat.
 

Serious side effects of spiriva medication may occur in few. These side effects include bronchospasm, glaucoma, increased heart rate, and upper respiratory infection.
 

If any of these side effects persist, it is important that you contact your physician regarding your COPD treatment and spiriva administration.