Update on the pharmacologic therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a treatable disease characterized by progressive airflow limitation. Prevention of disease progression; improvement of symptoms, exercise tolerance, and health status; and decrease in exacerbations and mortality are the goals of management. Inhaled short-acting bronchodilators are recommended for symptoms in mild disease, whereas inhaled long-acting bronchodilators are recommended for maintenance therapy of daily symptoms. When symptoms are not controlled using one bronchodilator, combining bronchodilators may be more effective. Combining a long-acting beta-agonist with an inhaled corticosteroid is more effective than either agent alone. Several novel therapies are in different stages of development.
Hanania
Nicola A
NA
Asthma Clinical Research Center, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030, USA. hanania@bcm.edu
Sharafkhaneh
Amir
A
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents