[The role of steroids in the treatment of COPD].
The COPD is a problem of public health. The assumption of responsibility of the COPD depends on its severity. The drugs most often used are the bronchodilators of short and long half-life. The combination of tiotropium and beta-2 agonist of long half-life brings small advantages of quality of life without influencing the evolution of the disease. The systemic steroids are to be reserved for severe exacerbations, and their use must be limited to two weeks. The inhaled steroids as basic treatment are to be reserved for the most severe cases. Several new molecules are being studied in the treatment of the COPD, for which the fight for the final suspension of the tobacco use is one of the determining elements.
Reynard
Christophe
C
Centre valaisan de pneumologie, 3963 Crans-Montana. christophereynard@gntmed.ch
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D036501:Metered Dose Inhalers; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents