INHALED BRONCHODILATOR EFFECT PECULIARITIES ON VENTILATORY LUNG FUNCTION IN CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Abstract

Inhaled bronchodilator therapy is the first option in improving
lung function, dyspnoea and exercise endurance in patients with
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Most of the studies have showed that airway obstruction in COPD is irreversible. Now it is known that despite present slight changes in traditional spirometry, bronchodilator therapy contributes to a significant decrease of lung hyperinflation. Inhaled bronchodilator therapy facilitates lung emptying and reduces air trapping. The successive improvement in inspiratory muscle function and neuromechanical coupling of the respiratory system contribute to dyspnoe relief. This pharmacological lung volume reduction can occur in the absence of change in FEV1, particularly in advanced COPD. Optimal control of COPD symptoms is achieved by using long-acting inhaled bronchodilators and combination therapy of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting ß2-agonists.