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For Healthcare Professionals

COPD

Treatment and Management

Management of COPD

COPD is usually treated with inhaled bronchodilators and steroids, followed by oxygen therapy if required.1 However, to achieve the best outcomes for your patients, pharmacological management should be part of an overall treatment plan that considers their wellbeing and includes:1

  • Smoking cessation therapy: With smoking cessation support
  • Pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations: To reduce the risk of lower respiratory tract infections
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation: To be offered if indicated to help improve symptoms and quality of life
  • Encouraging physical activity: As part of a healthy lifestyle
  • Education and self-management: Including a co-developed, personalized self management plan
  • Considering comorbidities: Alongside optimizing their management plan

Why inhaler technique matters

Correct inhaler technique is crucial to ensure adequate drug delivery and can also help to improve adherence.1,2 However, different therapies use different inhalers and the inhaler technique also varies between different types of inhalers.2

Inhaler2 Inhalation technique2
Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) QUICK and DEEP
Pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) SLOW and STEADY
Soft-mist inhalers (SMIs) SLOW and STEADY

Poor technique is associated with poor symptom control in patients with COPD, so it’s important to ensure that your patient receives adequate training on how to use their inhaler correctly:1,2

  • Provide instructions and demonstrations on proper inhaler technique
  • Inhalers should only be prescribed after patients have demonstrated satisfactory technique
  • Each follow-up visit should monitor inhaler technique and adherence to treatment regimen

References

  1. Lamas DJ, et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2011 Oct 1;184(7):842-7. 

  2. Lee JS, et al. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2011 Sep;17(5):348-54.

  3. Raghu G, et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2015 Jul 15;192(2):e3-19.

  4. Kolb M, et al. Thorax. 2017 Apr;72(4):340-346.

  5. Glaspole I, et al. Respir Res. 2021 Apr 26;22(1):125.

Reporting adverse events

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