Pharmacotherapy in Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
10.5124/jkma.2006.49.4.333
- Author:
Young Kyoon KIM
1
Author Information
1. Division of Pulmonology/Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, School of Medicine, Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, Korea. youngkim@catholic.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Stable COPD;
Pharmacotherapy;
Bronchodilators;
Steroids
- MeSH:
Bronchodilator Agents;
Cholinergic Antagonists;
Drug Therapy*;
Humans;
Lung;
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive*;
Steroids;
Theophylline
- From:Journal of the Korean Medical Association
2006;49(4):333-341
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
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.
