Question

A 60-year-old ex-smoker with stable COPD (post-bronchodilator FEV1 55% predicted) remains symptomatic with dyspnoea despite using short-acting salbutamol. He has had one moderate exacerbation in the past year. According to COPD-X, what is the most appropriate pharmacological step-up?

Accepted Answer

Start a long-acting bronchodilator (LAMA or LABA) as maintenance therapy

Answer

Start inhaled corticosteroid monotherapy

Answer

Start long-term oral corticosteroids

Answer

Commence prophylactic antibiotics

Answer

No change; symptoms are expected

Practice question

A 60-year-old ex-smoker with stable COPD (post-bronchodilator FEV1 55% predicted) remains symptomatic with dyspnoea despite using short-acting salbutamol. He has had one moderate exacerbation in the past year. According to COPD-X, what is the most appropriate pharmacological step-up?