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Review
. 2018 Oct;18(5):387-390.
doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.18-5-387.

An update on the use of inhaled therapy in COPD

Oliver Price  1 , Chandra Sarkar  2 , Shruthi Konda  3
Affiliations
Review

An update on the use of inhaled therapy in COPD

Oliver Price et al. Clin Med (Lond). 2018 Oct.

Abstract

Inhaled corticosteroids represent the mainstay of pharmacological treatment for reversible airways disease, and traditionally have had widespread use in non-reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, use in this group may expose patients to an increased risk of pneumonia, without significant benefit to symptoms or exacerbation frequency. Here we provide a guide to the use of inhaled therapy in COPD for the general physician.

Keywords: COPD; inhaled corticosteroids.

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Figures

Fig 1.
Fig 1.
Symptom stratification. Adapted with permission from GOLD. FEV1 = forced expiratory volume in the first second; FVC = forced vital capacity; mMRC = modified Medical Research Council; CAT = COPD assessment test
Fig 2.
Fig 2.
Inhaled therapy. Adapted with permission from GOLD. FEV1 = forced expiratory volume in the first second; ICS = inhaled corticosteroids; LABA = long-acting beta-agonist; LAMA = long-acting muscarinic antagonist
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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