The role of inhaled combination therapy with corticosteroids and long-acting β 2 -agonists in the management of COPD

Long-acting β2-agonists (LABA) and inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) treat different aspects of COPD [1]. LABAs have both bronchodilator and non-bronchodilator properties, whereas ICSs are potent anti-inflammatory agents. Combining two therapies that possess different modes of action could be expected to have a greater benefit in the management of COPD. Furthermore, when a LABA is added to an ICS, it has the potential for countering some of the possible negative effects of the corticosteroid [2].