Pharmacotherapy in Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Journal of the Korean Medical Association
; : 333-341, 2006.
Article
in Ko
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-12237
Responsible library:
WPRO
ABSTRACT
The general approach to manage stable COPD is characterized by a stepwise increase in treatment, depending on the severity of the disease. None of the existing medications for COPD have been shown to modify the long-term decline in lung function that is the hallmark of the disease. Therefore, pharmacotherapy in COPD is used to decrease symptoms and /or complications. Bronchodilator medications are central to the symptomatic management of COPD. They are given on an as-needed basis or on a regular basis to prevent or reduce symptoms. The principal bronchodilator treatments are beta2-agonists, anticholinergics, theophylline, and a combination of these drugs. Regular treatment with long-acting bronchodilators is more effective and convenient than treatment with short-acting bronchodilators, but more expensive. The addition of regular treatment with inhaled steroids to bronchodilator treatment is appropriate for symptomatic COPD patients with an FEV1<50% predicted (Stage III: Severe COPD and Stage IV: Very Severe COPD) or repeated exacerbations (for example, more than 3 times during the last 3 years). Chronic treatment with systemic steroids should be avoided, if possible.
Key words
Full text:
1
Index:
WPRIM
Main subject:
Steroids
/
Theophylline
/
Bronchodilator Agents
/
Cholinergic Antagonists
/
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
/
Drug Therapy
/
Lung
Limits:
Humans
Language:
Ko
Journal:
Journal of the Korean Medical Association
Year:
2006
Type:
Article