The role of inhaled steroids in the treatment of COPD

The aim of COPD treatment is to reduce symptoms and prevent exacerbations. The pharmacological treatment is based on bronchodilator treatment which reduces symptoms and prevents exacerbations. If patients have exacerbations despite bronchodilator treatment it is important to consider adding inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Concomitant asthma is always an indication for ICS treatment. Studies have shown that measurement of blood eosinophil count predicts the effect of adding ICS to bronchodilators. Higher b-eos (≥ 0,3 × 109/l) strengthens the indication for ICS. A large number of COPD patients in Sweden are treated with both bronchodilators and ICS without a history of exacerbations. It is important to assess that the indication is correct at follow up of these patients.