Nebulized steroids in the treatment of AECOPD

Abstract

Acute exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are very common. Systemic steroids play an important role in the management of these cases. The role of nebulized steroids in acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) is not much studied in literature yet. In this clinical review we have evaluated the role of nebulized corticosteroids in the management of acute AECOPD. All the studies had found the clinical efficacy of nebulized budesonide to be of similar extent to that of either parental or oral steroids in AECOPD. Side effects profile of nebulized steroids was minimal and acceptable as compared to systemic steroids. Nebulized steroids may be an alternative to parental/oral prednisolone in the treatment of AECOPD but further studies should be done to evaluate its long-term impact on clinical outcomes after an initial episode of COPD exacerbation. Key words: Nebulized steroids; Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Lung function