Via practica 3/2009
Bronchodilator treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, multicomponent disease. COPD is a major cause of disability, and it is the fourth leading cause of death. COPD is diagnosed in middle-aged as well as in older people, but this disease begins many years before the symptoms. According to guidelines, bronchodilators are the main therapy. However, there is still some uncertainness over first line long-acting substances selection. In this review of current literature, we suggest long acting anticholinergic agent as the first line therapy in II stage GOLD of COPD.
Keywords: COPD, bronchodilators, LABA, anticholinergics, methylxanthines
