[Bronchodilators--effective also in negative broncholysis test. Decreased dyspnea decreased in any case]

According to GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease), bronchodilator drugs are indicated for all degrees of severity of COPD. In stage 1, short-acting substances are administered as required; in stage 2, permanent treatment with short- or long-acting bronchodilators is applied. Patients who fail to respond to broncholysis testing can also benefit from such treatment over the long term. Combination treatment with beta 2 sympathomimetics and anticholinergic drugs makes good sense, since additive effects can develop. Since COPD patients often have CAD in addition, consideration must be given to cardiac side effects--in particular in the case of theophylline. The sole life-prolonging treatment for COPD continues to be the long-term administration of oxygen; the only measure capable of stopping progressive deterioration of lung function is cessation of smoking.