The
goals of management of stable
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (
COPD) are to reduce both current symptoms and
future risks with minimal side effects from
treatment. Identification and reduction of exposure to
risk factors are important in the
treatment and prevention of
COPD. Appropriate pharmacologic
therapy can reduce symptoms and exacerbations, and improve
health status and
exercise tolerance. To date, none of the existing medications for
COPD has been shown to modify
disease progression or reduce
mortality. The classes of medication are
bronchodilators including beta2-agonist,
anticholinergics and anti-inflammatory
drug including inhaled
corticosteroid and
phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor such as roflumilast. Each
treatment regimen
needs to be individualized as the relationship between severity of symptoms, airflow limitation and severity of exacerbation can differ between
patients.