A 69-year-old ex-smoker with COPD (FEV₁ 50% predicted) has daily symptoms and two exacerbations requiring oral corticosteroids in the last year despit...

Question

A 69-year-old ex-smoker with COPD (FEV₁ 50% predicted) has daily symptoms and two exacerbations requiring oral corticosteroids in the last year despite regular long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and long-acting β₂-agonist (LABA) inhalers. According to COPD guidelines, which escalation is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Add inhaled corticosteroid to form triple therapy

Answer

Add theophylline

Answer

Stop LAMA and LABA and switch to as-needed salbutamol only

Answer

Start chronic oral prednisolone 10 mg daily

Answer

Add long-term macrolide therapy without further assessment

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease escalation