A 68-year-old man with a 40-pack-year smoking history presents with increasing shortness of breath and sputum production. Spirometry confirms COPD wit...

Question

A 68-year-old man with a 40-pack-year smoking history presents with increasing shortness of breath and sputum production. Spirometry confirms COPD with FEV1 45% predicted. He has two moderate exacerbations requiring oral corticosteroids and antibiotics in the past year despite regular tiotropium. According to the Australian COPD approach, which is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Add a combination LABA/LAMA inhaler

Answer

Add regular inhaled salbutamol alone

Answer

Start inhaled corticosteroid monotherapy

Answer

Start theophylline

Answer

Cease tiotropium and start short-course oral prednisolone daily

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease