![]() Combination inhalers (LABA/LAMA and LABA/ICS), are more effective for controlling symptoms than single-agent therapies (LAMA and LABA), in general. The LABA/LAMA combination was the best treatment, followed by LAMA, in preventing flare-ups although there was some uncertainty in the results. We collected and analysed data from 99 studies, including a total of 101,311 participants with advanced COPD, using a special method called network meta-analysis, which enabled us to simultaneously compare the four inhaler groups and 28 individual inhalers (4 LABAs, 5 LAMAs, 9 LABA/ICS combinations, and 10 LABA/LAMA combinations). Preventing severe flare-ups and hospital admissions is especially important to people with COPD, healthcare providers, policy makers and society. There are not many head-to-head comparisons to determine which treatment group or individual inhaler is better compared to the others. Combination inhalers are usually reserved for individuals whose single-maintenance inhaler, such as LAMA or LABA fails. The long-acting inhalers are usually reserved for more advanced COPD.ĭoes it matter which long-acting inhaler is used in people with advanced COPD?Ĭommonly used maintenance inhalers are grouped into four different groups: long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) LABA/inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) combinations and LABA/LAMA combinations. A rescue inhaler is short- and fast-acting, and used as needed for quick relief of symptoms, whereas a maintenance inhaler is long-acting and used on a daily basis to relieve daily symptoms and reduce flare-ups. There are two types of inhalers for COPD: rescue and maintenance. COPD damages the lungs and causes airways to narrow which makes it difficult to breathe. ![]() What is COPD and why does a doctor prescribe an inhaler?Ĭhronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) is usually caused by smoking or other airway irritants. ![]()
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