What medications for COPD have been shown to modify long-term decline in lung function?
No existing medications for COPD have been shown to modify long-term decline in lung function. However, pharmacologic therapy can prevent or control symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, improve health status, and improve exercise tolerance. The extent to which severity of airflow limitation influences the severity of symptoms depends on factors such as the frequency and severity of exacerbations; the presence of complications, respiratory failure, and comorbidities; and the patient’s general health status. For this reason, medication regimens must be individualized based on the patient’s prognosis, treatment goals, and preferences. • According to studies, what percentage of patients is believed to use metered-dose inhalers correctly? Only 50% of patient use metered-dose inhaler correctly according to studies, and this percentage decreases in frail elderly patients. The use of spacer attachments may overcome this problem. Small-volume nebulizers may be preferabl
