Which treatment option is recommended to improve longevity in COPD patients?

Oxygen therapy is recommended to improve longevity in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), particularly for those who have low oxygen levels in the blood, a condition known as hypoxemia. Continuous oxygen therapy has been demonstrated through research to prolong survival rates and enhance the overall quality of life in these patients. When provided appropriately, supplemental oxygen can relieve symptoms of breathlessness, improve functional capacity, and lessen the strain on the heart caused by low oxygen levels.

While anticholinergic drugs, systemic steroids, and exercise can all play important roles in managing symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with COPD, they do not have the same documented impact on survival as oxygen therapy does. Anticholinergic drugs are primarily used to help open the airways and relieve bronchospasm. Systemic steroids may benefit patients with acute exacerbations but are not intended for long-term treatment. Exercise can contribute positively to overall health and well-being, enhancing respiratory function and endurance, but it does not directly affect life expectancy in the same way that oxygen therapy does for those with significant hypoxemia.