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COPD ICS pneumonia risk — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyRespiratory TherapeuticsCOPD ICS pneumonia riskGPhC CRA

A 75-year-old man with COPD starts triple inhaler therapy including fluticasone. He asks why the pharmacist mentioned pneumonia symptoms during counselling. What would you advise the patient?

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Correct answer: D — Inhaled corticosteroids in COPD can increase pneumonia risk, so report fever, worsening sputum or breathlessness

Inhaled corticosteroids can increase pneumonia risk in COPD, particularly in older or more severe disease. Patients should know when to seek help for infection or worsening respiratory symptoms. They should not stop maintenance therapy without review.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS