کد مقاله | کد نشریه | سال انتشار | مقاله انگلیسی | نسخه تمام متن |
---|---|---|---|---|
2567848 | 1128354 | 2006 | 8 صفحه PDF | دانلود رایگان |
SummaryChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) accounts for a major workload in both primary and secondary care. It is characterised by progressive airflow obstruction which does not fully reverse to inhaled or oral pharmacotherapy. The diagnosis should be considered in any current or former smoker who has symptoms of breathlessness, wheeze, cough, sputum production and impaired exercise tolerance. From a pharmacological perspective, short-acting bronchodilators (anti-cholinergics and β2-agonists) play a vital role in immediate relief of symptoms. However, in patients with persistent symptoms and exacerbations, long-acting bronchodilator therapy is advocated for regular use. Tiotropium is a newly introduced long-acting anti-cholinergic which facilitates once daily administration. This evidence based review article discusses the use of long acting bronchodilators in COPD with a particular emphasis on the putative benefits of tiotropium.
Journal: Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics - Volume 19, Issue 2, April 2006, Pages 112–119