[Bronchodilators--effective also in negative broncholysis test. Decreased dyspnea decreased in any case].
According to GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease), bronchodilator drugs are indicated for all degrees of severity of COPD. In stage 1, short-acting substances are administered as required; in stage 2, permanent treatment with short- or long-acting bronchodilators is applied. Patients who fail to respond to broncholysis testing can also benefit from such treatment over the long term. Combination treatment with beta 2 sympathomimetics and anticholinergic drugs makes good sense, since additive effects can develop. Since COPD patients often have CAD in addition, consideration must be given to cardiac side effects--in particular in the case of theophylline. The sole life-prolonging treatment for COPD continues to be the long-term administration of oxygen; the only measure capable of stopping progressive deterioration of lung function is cessation of smoking.
Vogelmeier
C
C
Klinik für Innere Medizin, Schwerpunkt Pneumologie, Klinikum der Philipps-Univ., Marburg. Claus.Vogelmeier@med.uni-marburg.de
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000403:Airway Resistance / Q000187:drug effects*; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents