Current opinions on the role of inhaled corticosteroids in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the main cases of mortality and morbidity of population worlwide. In spite of enormous efforts there are not pharmacological agents evidently influencing natural course of disease available. Besides looking for new drugs influencing the long term outcome of patients with COPD, there is also running the process of reevaluation of the role of several already established drug groups. Methods: Through the use of recent knowledge and results from large-scale clinical studies as well as metaanalyses we give a view on action of inhaled corticosteroids in the pathophysiological mechanisms of COPD and complex summary of their role in the therapeutic management of the disease. Conclusion: Contrary to systemic corticosteroids, agreement regarding usage of inhaled corticosteroids necessary by acute exacerbations of disease has not been reached yet. Recent meta-analyses of the long-term clinical studies have clearly demonstrated that inhaled corticosteroids could pose with ability of slowing down the progressive deterioration of lung functions and lead to the prolongation of life in broad population of patients with COPD. Benefit of treatment insists in decrease of frequency and severity of exacerbations, mildering symptoms, improving overall health state as well as exercise tolerance in patients with COPD. Clinical relevant is also reduction of the number of hospitalizations and mortality related to progression of COPD.