Future of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management. (June 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: D'Urzo, Anthony; Vogelmeier, Claus
• Is Part Of: Expert review of respiratory medicine. Volume 6:Number 3(2012)
• Page Start: 285
• Page End: 299
• Publication Date: 2012-06
• Subjects: bronchodilators -- COPD -- glycopyrronium bromide -- indacaterol -- LABA -- LAMA -- lung function -- NVA237 -- QVA149 -- tiotropium; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.2005
• DOI: 10.1586/ers.12.20
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-6348

Abstract

Bronchodilators play a pivotal role in the management of symptomatic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Inhaled short-acting bronchodilators are used for all stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, primarily for the immediate relief of symptoms; inhaled long-acting bronchodilators are recommended for maintenance therapy in patients with moderate-to-very severe disease and those with daily symptoms. When symptoms are not adequately controlled by a single bronchodilator, combining bronchodilators of different classes may prove effective. Several long-acting β2 -agonists and long-acting muscarinic antagonists with 24-h duration of action and inhalers combining different classes of long-acting, once-daily bronchodilators are in development. The place of these agents in the treatment algorithm will be determined by their efficacy and safety profiles and their long-term impact on relevant clinical outcomes.