What class of drugs is used to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Bronchodilators are the primary class of drugs used to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because they work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, leading to dilation of the bronchial passages. This facilitates easier breathing and helps reduce the symptoms associated with COPD, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. These medications can be short-acting or long-acting, providing both immediate relief and ongoing management of symptoms.

While antihistamines can play a role in alleviating allergy symptoms, they are not specifically designed for managing COPD. Corticosteroids may be used in some instances to reduce inflammation in the airways, particularly during exacerbations of COPD, but they are not the frontline treatment for the condition. Antibiotics can be important for treating acute exacerbations caused by infections, but they do not address the underlying respiratory issues typical of COPD management. Therefore, bronchodilators remain the cornerstone of treatment for improving airflow and overall respiratory function in individuals with COPD.