title: Chronic airflow obstruction. Two-pronged approach to outpatient management.
abstract: The goal of outpatient management of chronic airflow obstruction is to relieve symptoms, which can be accomplished by smoking cessation and by use of bronchodilators. The inhaled beta agonists are the first choice for bronchodilator therapy, followed by oral theophylline if beta agonists alone are ineffective. If symptoms persist, corticosteroids should be tried. Because of the serious side effects of steroids, however, objective evidence of improvement must be documented before long-term use can be justified.
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D009042:Motivation; D012907:Smoking; D013806:Theophylline / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D013806:Theophylline