Update on pharmacologic therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Early identification and intervention before the onset of symptomatic disea se is the goal of management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD ).(30, 79) Most patients with COPD need pharmacologic therapy. The judiciou s use of appropriate medications in a stepwise fashion is the recommended a pproach to treating patients with COPD and can improve airflows and provide significant symptomatic relief. (2,) (13, 30, 92) Patient response to trea tment must be monitored and therapy should be customized for each individua l.(2,) (13,) (30, 92) Part of any successful pharmacologic intervention is patient education, including information related to medication dosing and t iming, expected medication benefits, and potential side effects. Collaborat ive self management allows a well-educated patient to participate actively in his or her medical care. Anticipated outcomes from education include inc reased compliance with medication usage, earlier intervention during exacer bations, and, potentially, reduced health care costs owing to improved stab ility of disease.