Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
07:28
Dry Powder and Nebulized Aerosol Inhalation of Pharmaceuticals Delivered to Mice Using a Nose-only Exposure System
Published on: April 6, 2017
Inhaled and systemic corticosteroids in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Jeremy A Falk1, Omar A Minai, Zab Mosenifar
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA. falkja@cshs.org
Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society
|May 6, 2008
Summary
Corticosteroids can benefit patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations and may help stable COPD. However, their use requires careful consideration of benefits versus risks.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Inflammation is central to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathophysiology.
- Inflammatory markers increase with COPD progression and exacerbations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role and efficacy of corticosteroids in managing stable COPD and exacerbations.
- To discuss the benefits and risks of systemic and inhaled corticosteroids in COPD treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on corticosteroid use in COPD.
- Analysis of data on clinical outcomes, including hospitalization, lung function, and survival.
Main Results:
- Short courses of systemic corticosteroids improve outcomes during COPD exacerbations.
- Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) reduce exacerbation rates and may improve symptoms in stable COPD.
- ICS combined with long-acting beta agonists may offer a survival benefit.
Conclusions:
- Corticosteroids offer therapeutic benefits in COPD exacerbations and potentially in stable disease.
- The use of corticosteroids in COPD necessitates balancing potential benefits against known toxicities.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of ICS in acute exacerbations and perioperative settings.
Related Concept Videos
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
Chronic obstructive pulmonary isease (COPD) involves a group of progressive lung disorders characterized by persistent airflow limitation and chronic respiratory symptoms. Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS), encompassing features of both asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a group of progressive lung disorders that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. ACOS leads to complex clinical presentations that combine the inflammatory...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily in treating persistent asthma and providing long-term maintenance. They target the bronchial mucosa, the lining of the airways, to control inflammation, a critical factor in asthma progression and exacerbation.
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
01:29Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a multifaceted approach to reduce symptoms, prevent exacerbations, improve overall health status, and slow disease progression. Key strategies include lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, supportive therapies, and, in some cases, surgery. Here is an overview of the primary COPD management strategies:
Smoking Cessation
Smoking Cessation
01:23Inhaled Medications
Inhaled medications are crucial for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. They are essential for effective treatment and control, ensuring optimal respiratory health and well-being. Inhaled medication delivers drugs directly to the lungs, providing a rapid onset of action and reducing systemic side effects compared to oral or injectable medications. Three primary types of inhalation devices are used to administer these medications: nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...