Bronchodilator therapy is central to the management
of breathlessness. The inhaled route is preferred and
a number of different agents delivered by a variety of
devices are available. Choice should be informed by
patient preference and inhaler assessment. Short-acting
bronchodilators, such as the β2
-agonists salbutamol and
terbutaline, or the anticholinergic, ipratropium bromide,may be used for patients with mild disease. Longer-acting
bronchodilators, such as the β2
-agonists salmeterol
and formoterol, or the anticholinergic tiotropium
bromide, are more appropriate for patients with moderate
to severe disease. Significant improvements in
breathlessness may be reported despite minimal changes
in FEV
1
, probably reflecting improvements in lung emptying
that reduce dynamic hyperinflation and ease the
work of breathing.
Oral bronchodilator therapy may be contemplated
in patients who cannot use inhaled devices efficiently.
Theophylline preparations improve breathlessness and
quality of life, but their use has been limited by sideeffects,
unpredictable metabolism and drug interactions.
Bambuterol, a pro-drug of terbutaline, is used on occasion.
Orally active highly selective phosphodiesterase
inhibitors are currently under development