What is the best course of action for a patient with COPD to minimize exacerbation risk?

The best course of action for a patient with COPD to minimize the risk of exacerbations is to add therapy with a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA). This approach is supported by clinical evidence indicating that LAMAs help improve lung function, reduce symptoms, and significantly decrease the frequency of exacerbations over time.

In patients with COPD, maintaining optimal control of symptoms and preventing exacerbations is crucial for long-term management. LAMAs work by blocking the action of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors in the airways, leading to bronchodilation and improved airflow. This pharmacological action reduces the urgency of rescue inhaler use and enhances overall quality of life for patients with chronic respiratory conditions.

In contrast, other therapies such as theophylline may not provide the same level of efficacy in reducing exacerbation risk and can also be associated with more side effects. Scheduling albuterol, a short-acting beta agonist, may help with acute bronchodilation, but it does not provide sustained control necessary for long-term exacerbation prevention. Relying on a long-acting beta2-agonist on an as-needed basis may be less effective than a consistent long-term treatment plan that includes a LAMA. Thus, adding therapy