Which medication is proven to improve both survival and quality of life in patients with COPD?

Oxygen therapy is proven to improve both survival and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For patients with significant hypoxemia, long-term oxygen therapy can help increase survival rates, particularly in those with arterial oxygen saturation (PaO2) less than 55 mmHg or when there is evidence of cor pulmonale or exacerbations of respiratory failure. Beyond survival, oxygen therapy can lead to significant improvements in exercise capacity, mental status, and overall well-being, thereby enhancing quality of life.

Other treatment options, while beneficial for managing symptoms or preventing exacerbations, do not have the same profound impact on mortality. Corticosteroids are generally more effective for managing exacerbations rather than improving long-term outcomes. Methylxanthines may provide some bronchodilation but do not significantly enhance survival or quality of life. Anticholinergics are effective bronchodilators and play an essential role in symptom management, yet they do not provide the same survival benefit as oxygen therapy in patients with severe disease and hypoxemia.