The most common cause of COPD is tobacco smoke exposure. In the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) initiative, a large international study of COPD, the prevalence of stage II or higher COPD was reported to be 10.1% using the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) definition of disease ( Buist 2007 GOLD 2016). It is currently the fourth leading cause of death worldwide ( WHO 2012). We cannot confirm any benefit from this review of adding ICS to a combination LABA/LAMA inhaler for the treatment of stable COPD.Ĭhronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory condition associated with substantial morbidity and mortality ( GOLD 2016). No relevant trials have been published to date. Our review did not identify any studies assessing the relative benefits and risks of these two treatment strategies. This process involved a detailed search of multiple electronic databases for trials up to 9 December 2015. We looked for all studies which compared treatment of stable COPD with ICS in addition to combination LABA/LAMA inhalers against combination LABA/LAMA inhalers alone. Presently, it is unclear whether using an ICS in addition to these new combination LABA/LAMA inhalers provides any additional therapeutic benefit or risk of side‐effects.

These combination inhalers have been found to improve adherence and patient outcomes. LABA and LAMA bronchodilators are now available in single combination inhalers. In some individuals with particularly persistent symptoms or frequent exacerbations (episodes where their symptoms become worse), all three classes of these inhaled medications are used. These include long‐acting bronchodilators (LABA and LAMA) that open (dilate) the airways and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), which are medications that suppress inflammation in the airways. COPD is commonly treated with a number of inhaled medications. Patients with COPD experience persistent symptoms including breathlessness, cough and phlegm production. In stable COPD, should inhaled corticosteroids be used with combination long‐acting beta 2‐agonist/long‐acting muscarinic antagonist inhalers?Ĭhronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is a common long‐term lung disease often associated with smoking.

Combination steroid and lama inhaler