For a patient with stable COPD, which type of bronchodilator is preferred?

For a patient with stable COPD, which type of bronchodilator is preferred?

• A. A long-acting inhaled beta2 agonist
• B. A short-acting inhaled beta2 agonist
• C. An oral beta2 agonist
• D. An inhaled muscarinic antagonist

Answer: (A)

In stable COPD, ongoing bronchodilation to control symptoms is the goal, so a long-acting inhaled bronchodilator is preferred for maintenance. A long-acting inhaled beta2 agonist provides sustained relaxation of airway smooth muscle, delivering extended bronchodilation that improves daily symptoms and exercise tolerance with convenient dosing and fewer systemic effects than an oral drug. Short-acting beta2 agonists relieve symptoms quickly but don’t provide sustained control, so they’re used as rescue therapy rather than maintenance. An oral beta2 agonist carries more systemic side effects, making it less favorable. An inhaled muscarinic antagonist is also an effective maintenance option, but among these choices the long-acting inhaled beta2 agonist is the best fit for ongoing control in stable COPD.

In stable COPD, ongoing bronchodilation to control symptoms is the goal, so a long-acting inhaled bronchodilator is preferred for maintenance. A long-acting inhaled beta2 agonist provides sustained relaxation of airway smooth muscle, delivering extended bronchodilation that improves daily symptoms and exercise tolerance with convenient dosing and fewer systemic effects than an oral drug. Short-acting beta2 agonists relieve symptoms quickly but don’t provide sustained control, so they’re used as rescue therapy rather than maintenance. An oral beta2 agonist carries more systemic side effects, making it less favorable. An inhaled muscarinic antagonist is also an effective maintenance option, but among these choices the long-acting inhaled beta2 agonist is the best fit for ongoing control in stable COPD.