Abstract
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a treatable, preventable and clinically heterogeneous syndrome which manifestswith various lung symptoms and is associated with various comorbidities. This article deals mainly with the pharmacologicaltreatment of stable COPD according to the current recommendations of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease(GOLD) and the valid recommendations of the Czech Pneumological and Phthisiological Society.
Pharmacotherapy of COPD isprimarily based on long-term inhaled bronchodilators (LABD). It is a group of long-term (or ultra-long-term) inhaled anticholinergics(LAMA or U-LAMA) and inhaled long-acting β2-agonists (LABA, or U-LABA).
The position of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)in treatment of stable COPD is currently unsure, it is recommended that corticosteroids be added to bronchodilation therapyfor phenotypes of frequent exacerbations and COPD - asthma overlap phenotype (ACO). Successful treatment can be reachedonly by the elimination of inhalation risk factors.
The comprehensive treatment approach to COPD patients uses, in addition topharmacological, a variety of non-pharmacological approaches including pulmonary rehabilitation. Terminal care includingindications of home oxygen treatment, non-invasive ventilation and indication for lung transplantation needs to be addressedas well.
Non-pharmacological treatment is not described in detail in this article.