A COPD is a chronic condition where the pulmonary airways are obstructed by either a buildup of mucus or uncontrollable contraction of the airways known as bronchoconstriction.

Chronic bronchitis is a progressive inflammatory condition. This condition arises because of long term exposure to irritants in the airways, resulting in the inflammation of these airways. It is also characterized by the increase in mucus secretion and the decrease of the clearance of this mucus. This can also lead to an increase in infections in the airways.

Emphysema occurs due to structural damages found in the alveoli and bronchioles caused by smoking and irritants in the airways. This leads to a difficulty to breathe because old air is trapped within the alveoli.

In the case of bacterial infections antibiotics are given. Bronchodilators are given if the airways are obstructed. Steam therapy is usually used to dilute excessive mucus secretions, rehydration therapy is also used here. Oxygen inhalation therapy can be given to a patient that suffers from hypoxia. Regular light to moderate exercise is recommended to patients that have poor lung capacity.
Usually the first step in COPD treatment will be to provide a patient with anticholinergic drugs that will inhibit bronchoconstriction. A B2 stimulant is also given with this treatment.

Ipratropium is a short acting anticholinergic drug. Therefore, it stimulates the relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles leading to bronchodilation. In Chronic Bronchitis there is an increase in the secretion of mucus, Ipratropium is an anticholinergic drug and will therefore decrease the secretion thereof. As well with the bronchodilation effect this drug has proven to be effective in the use for chronic bronchitis. The effects of short acting anticholinergic drugs in asthma cases have been proven to be almost as effective as sympathomimetic drugs, thus meaning still less effective. Therefore, in cases of bronchial asthma anticholinergic drugs are only used as alternative therapy for patients that has developed a tolerance for B-adrenoceptor agonists.

Theophylline increases the skeletal muscle strength of the diaphragm. This is very useful in patients with COPD that requires a higher O2 intake, because it improves ventilation response.

Because of the obstruction of the airways a patient might find it difficult to breathe in enough oxygen. Oxygen therapy is then induced to ensure that the oxygen levels in the body stays at the required level.