t A review of bronchodilators for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that is associated with airway obstruction. COPD is a major cause of chronic morbidity and mortality throughout the world. It is a progressive condition, but is partially reversible through treatment, especially when diagnosed early in its clinical course. Bronchodilators are important in treating the symptoms of COPD. Long-acting bronchodilators provide sustained symptom relief and are usually preferred in patients with COPD. Combining bronchodilators with different mechanisms of action appears to improve efficacy. (C) Medpharm