None of the drugs currently available for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are able to reduce the progressive decline in lung function. The current pharmacological treatment of COPD is symptomatic and is mainly based on bronchodilators, anticholinergics, theophylline, or a combination of these drugs. The development of COPD is multifactorial and the risk factors of COPD include genetic and environmental factors.
The assessment of COPD is essential to determine the severity of the disease, its impact on the health status and the risk of future events (e.g., exacerbations, hospital admissions or death) and this is vital to guide therapy. The main objective of pharmacological treatment of COPD is to prevent and control symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, and improve general health status and exercise tolerance. Recommended drugs for treating COPD…
