[Medical treatment of COPD]

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is treated with bronchodilator and antiinflammatory drugs along with smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation. The pharmacological treatment of COPD is based on the assessment of current symptoms and future risk as first proposed in the GOLD 2011 strategy document. Long-acting bronchodilatators are the cornerstone of treatment of COPD and inhaled drugs are always preferred. Inhaled corticosteroids can be added for reducing exacerbations where also roflumilast has proven efficacy. This review covers recommendations for treating COPD according to the latest recommendations from the Danish Respiratory Society.