What additional treatments can be considered for persistent symptoms in COPD?

For patients with persistent symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), additional pharmacological treatments can be critical in managing the disease effectively. Roflumilast, azithromycin, and dupilumab have been identified as treatments that can provide significant benefit for these patients.

Roflumilast is a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor that helps reduce inflammation and relax the airways, making it particularly useful for patients with a history of frequent exacerbations. Azithromycin is an antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties that can also help reduce exacerbation rates in individuals with COPD. Dupilumab, while traditionally used in the management of asthma, has shown potential in improving lung function and reducing exacerbations in some patients with eosinophilic COPD.

These medications directly target key pathways involved in COPD pathology and are designed to improve overall lung function and quality of life for those with persistent symptoms. They are often considered when standard treatments have not adequately controlled the condition.

Other treatment options, such as long-term oxygen therapy, surgery, or increasing the dosage of inhaled corticosteroids, might play roles in certain situations or specific patient populations, but they do not specifically address the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of persistent COPD symptoms as directly as the