Asthma and COPD

Question 1

What is the initial management for COPD?

Answer 1

Vaccinations (pneumococcal, influenza)
Lifestyle advice (weight, exercise, smoking)
SABA and SAMA

Question 2

How would you change medications if a patient with COPD is still breathless with initial treatment? (Without asthmatic features or steroid responsiveness)

Answer 2

Stop SAMA and add LAMA and LABA

Consider trialling ICS for 3 months

Question 3

How would you change medications if a patient with COPD is still breathless with initial treatment? (With asthmatic features/ steroid responsiveness)

Answer 3

Start LABA and ICS

Consider LAMA if still having exacerbations