Management of Stable COPD: An Update

What is it about?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major problem for public health worldwide and an important cause of morbidity and mortality at the global level. Its burden is expected to increase progressively in the next years. This article summarizes the most current aspects of the non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment of stable COPD. Non-pharmacological therapies, such as smoking cessation, vaccinations, oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation are covered briefly. Drug classes covered are short acting beta agonists (SABA), short acting muscarinic antagonists (SAMA), long acting beta agonists (LABA), long acting antimuscarinics (LAMA), inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), LABA/ICS combinations and specific phosphodiesterase (PDE4) inhibitors.

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Why is it important?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major problem for public health worldwide and an important cause of morbidity and mortality at the global level. Its burden is expected to increase progressively in the next years. This article summarizes the most current aspects of the non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment of stable COPD. Non-pharmacological therapies, such as smoking cessation, vaccinations, oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation are covered briefly. Drug classes covered are short acting beta agonists (SABA), short acting muscarinic antagonists (SAMA), long acting beta agonists (LABA), long acting antimuscarinics (LAMA), inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), LABA/ICS combinations and specific phosphodiesterase (PDE4) inhibitors.