A 67-year-old ex-smoker with COPD uses a short-acting bronchodilator most days. He remains breathless walking to the shops and has had no

Question

A 67-year-old ex-smoker with COPD uses a short-acting bronchodilator most days. He remains breathless walking to the shops and has had no eosinophilia or frequent exacerbations. The GP asks about next maintenance treatment. What is the most appropriate alternative?

Accepted Answer

A long-acting bronchodilator such as a LAMA or LABA

Answer

High-dose inhaled corticosteroid monotherapy

Answer

Long-term oral prednisolone as first maintenance therapy

Answer

Oral theophylline before inhaled options are tried

Answer

Nebulised salbutamol supplied for daily home use

COPD inhaler escalation — GPhC CRA MCQ

A 67-year-old ex-smoker with COPD uses a short-acting bronchodilator most days. He remains breathless walking to the shops and has had no eosinophilia or frequent exacerbations. The GP asks about next maintenance treatment. What is the most appropriate alternative?