Abstract
The mortality rate for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has increased significantly in recent years. Although smoking cessation is still the most important intervention in COPD, a variety of pharmacologic therapies are available to help manage symptoms. Short-acting β2-agonists and/or ipratropium can be prescribed, with the use of additional therapies based on the severity of disease. Persons with moderate or severe COPD should regularly take 1 or more long-acting bronchodilators. The long-acting β2-agonists salmeterol and formoterol have been demonstrated to improve health-related quality of life. Newer therapies include the long-acting anticholinergic tiotropium and a salmeterol/fluticasone combination. These agents improve forced expiratory volume in 1 second and may reduce the rate of acute exacerbations. For patients with moderate to very severe COPD, participation in a pulmonary rehabilitation program can improve health status, quality of life, and exercise tolerance.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 259-265 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Drug Benefit Trends |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 4 |
State | Published - Apr 2006 |
Keywords
- Anticholinergics
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Smoking cessation
- β-Agonists
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health Policy
- Pharmacology (medical)