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Related Concept Videos

COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids01:26

COPD: 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...
Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids01:25

Antiasthma 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...
Inhaled Medications01:23

Inhaled 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...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management01:29

Chronic 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
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction01:20

Chronic 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.
Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview01:17

Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview

Lower respiratory tract disorders present challenges that often require skilled and nuanced approaches for effective management. Common ailments, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), have prompted the development of intricate treatment strategies involving bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, each tailored to ease breathing and revitalize the lungs.
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

Dry Powder and Nebulized Aerosol Inhalation of Pharmaceuticals Delivered to Mice Using a Nose-only Exposure System
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 corticosteroids in COPD: pros and cons.

Eleftherios Zervas1, Konstantinos Samitas, Mina Gaga

  • 17th Respiratory Dept and Asthma Centre, Athens Chest Hospital, 152 Mesogion Ave, Athens 11527, Greece. lefzervas@yahoo.gr

Current Drug Targets
|December 22, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are widely used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but their efficacy remains debated. This review examines evidence on ICS therapy for COPD patients, considering benefits and risks.

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Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
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Last Updated: May 15, 2026

Dry Powder and Nebulized Aerosol Inhalation of Pharmaceuticals Delivered to Mice Using a Nose-only Exposure System
07:28

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Published on: April 6, 2017

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
07:10

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 24, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involves airway inflammation, obstruction, and exacerbations, posing a significant global health burden.
  • While not curable, COPD is preventable and treatable, with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) being a common therapeutic option.
  • Current guidelines recommend ICS for severe COPD or frequent exacerbations, yet they are prescribed to a much larger patient subset.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • To present arguments for and against ICS use in COPD based on diverse evidence.
  • To clarify the role of ICS in managing COPD, addressing conflicting clinical trial data.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive review of observational studies, randomized clinical trials, and expert opinions on ICS therapy in COPD.
  • Analysis of evidence concerning ICS impact on airway and systemic inflammation.
  • Evaluation of ICS effects on exacerbation frequency/severity, lung function decline, quality of life, mortality, and adverse events.

Main Results:

  • Clinical trial data on ICS efficacy in COPD have yielded inconclusive or contradictory results, fueling debate.
  • A significant discrepancy exists between guideline recommendations for ICS use (approx. 20% of patients) and actual prescription rates (up to 70%).
  • The review synthesizes evidence to weigh the benefits against the risks of ICS in various COPD patient groups.

Conclusions:

  • The role of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a subject of ongoing discussion.
  • Evidence regarding the benefits of ICS on inflammation, exacerbations, lung function, and quality of life in COPD is mixed.
  • A balanced consideration of efficacy, safety, and patient-specific factors is crucial for informed ICS prescribing in COPD.