Extended bronchodilator treatment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

The reversibility of airflow is usually a defining characteristic of asthma, but not the other forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and bronchitis. However, airflow obstruction associated with COPD may be partially reversible, and many individuals with COPD will show an improvement in airflow following inhalation of either β-agonists or anticholinergics. Furthermore, patients who fail to respond to β-agonists may still have improved airflow following therapy with anticholinergics. As airflow can be improved in patients with COPD with the use of bronchodilators, this form of therapy has become a clinical mainstay in the management of COPD. Nevertheless, a number of questions regarding the use of bronchodilators in COPD remain. This report assesses current bronchodilator therapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)282-285
Number of pages4
JournalEuropean Respiratory Review
Volume6
Issue number39
StatePublished - 1996

Keywords

  • Bronchodilators
  • Ipratropium bromide
  • Smoking
  • β-agonists

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

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