What class of medication is the cornerstone of pharmacologic treatment for COPD?
Bronchodilators are the cornerstone of pharmacologic treatment of COPD. These agents decrease airway resistance, which can improve airflow, decrease the work of breathing, and decrease dyspnea. These medications have few adverse effects and are well tolerated by elderly patients. • When are prophylactic antibiotics recommended to treat infectious bacterial exacerbations? Prophylactic antibiotics are recommended only to treat infectious bacterial exacerbations. • Is routine administration of diuretics to patients with COPD warranted? Diuretics may pose particular risks for patients with COPD and should be prescribed with caution. • What are some signs and symptoms of an acute exacerbation of COPD? Signs and symptoms of an acute exacerbation of COPD include delirium, lethargy, change from baseline (in breath sound, cognitive status, sputum color, sputum production), and increase from baseline (in anxiety, heart rate, respiratory rate, shortness of breath, and wheezing). • What are some c
