In COPD management, what is the role of inhaled corticosteroids?

• A. Inhaled corticosteroids relieve acute bronchospasm; bronchodilators reduce inflammation.
• B. Inhaled corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation and decrease exacerbations; bronchodilators relieve acute symptoms.
• C. Bronchodilators have no role in COPD.
• D. ICS replace oxygen therapy.

Answer: (B)

In COPD, the main idea is that the anti-inflammatory action of inhaled corticosteroids lowers chronic airway inflammation and reduces the frequency of exacerbations, especially in patients who have frequent flare-ups or higher eosinophil counts. They are usually used with long-acting bronchodilators to support airflow over time, not for immediate relief. Bronchodilators are the agents that rapidly relieve symptoms by opening the airways and improving breathing. Inhaled corticosteroids do not treat acute bronchospasm and they do not replace oxygen therapy for patients who need supplemental oxygen. So the best description is that inhaled corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation and decrease exacerbations, while bronchodilators relieve acute symptoms.