The Influence of Treatment with Formoterol, Formoterol with Tiotropium, Formoterol with Inhaled Glucocorticosteroid and Tiotropium on Lung Functions, Tolerance of Exercise and Simple, Morning Everyday Activities in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Bronchodilators—long-acting β₂-adrenergic agonists (formoterol and salmeterol) and a long-acting antimuscarinic drug (tiotropium), are the main drugs applied in symptomatic treatment of COPD. In patients with COPD, dyspnea is frequently associated with simple everyday activities. Two questionnaires have been published recently as a means of assessing the patients’ ability to perform morning activities and symptoms. Dynamic hyperinflation is the pathophysiological disorder responsible for dyspnea and decreased exercise tolerance in COPD. Formoterol is faster than salmeterol in diminishing air-trapping. It has been shown that treatment with formoterol and tiotropium in COPD patients improves FEV₁ , FVC, IC, symptoms score and quality of life in comparison with tiotropium applied alone. Among LABA and inhaled glucocorticosteroids combinations, those containing formoterol have a more beneficial effect on the ability to perform simple morning activities (budesonide/formoterol was better than fluticasone/salmeterol). Beclomethasone/formoterol—400/24 mcg/die, in comparison with fluticasone/salmeterol—500/100 mcg/die significantly reduced air-trapping and dyspnea in COPD patients. The comparison of budesonide/formoterol—400/12 mcg 2 × die with beclomethasone/ /formoterol—200/12 mcg 2 × die has shown similar influence of both combinations on FEV₁ , dyspnea, 6-minute walk test, symptoms score and quality of life. The addition of budesonide and formoterol combination to tiotropium gives further benefits: reduces number of exacerbations, improves FEV₁ , symptoms score and performance of simple morning routines. Doctors should pay more attention to symptoms and limitations in simple activities in the morning and adequately adjust the treatment.