From the Guidelines
Smoking cessation is the most critical step in managing lung health, as it can significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung-related conditions. According to the Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2017 report 1, pharmacotherapy and nicotine replacement can increase long-term smoking abstinence rates.
Key Recommendations for Lung Health
- Pharmacologic therapy can reduce COPD symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, and improve health status and exercise tolerance 1
- Influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations can decrease the incidence of lower respiratory tract infections 1
- Pulmonary rehabilitation can improve symptoms, quality of life, and physical and emotional participation in everyday activities 1
- Long-term oxygen therapy can improve survival in patients with severe resting chronic hypoxemia 1
Management of COPD
The management of COPD involves a comprehensive approach, including pharmacologic therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lifestyle modifications. The effectiveness of each treatment regimen should be individualized and guided by the severity of symptoms, risk of exacerbations, side effects, comorbidities, drug availability and cost, and the patient’s response, preference, and ability to use various drug delivery devices 1.
Importance of Vaccinations
Vaccinations play a crucial role in preventing respiratory infections, which can exacerbate COPD and other lung conditions. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations can decrease the incidence of lower respiratory tract infections 1.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a critical component of COPD management, as it can improve symptoms, quality of life, and physical and emotional participation in everyday activities 1. Pulmonary rehabilitation should be considered for patients with COPD who have bothersome respiratory symptoms, especially dyspnea, and FEV1 less than 60% predicted 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Wixela Inhub® is indicated for the twice-daily treatment of asthma in patients aged 4 years and older. Wixela Inhub® 250/50 is indicated for the twice-daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema.
The lung conditions that Wixela Inhub is indicated for are:
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), including:
- Chronic bronchitis
- Emphysema 2
From the Research
Lung Function and Disease Management
- The lung is affected by various diseases, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma, which can lead to a decline in lung function and quality of life 3, 4.
- Treatment with a combination of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting beta(2)-agonists (LABA), such as salmeterol and fluticasone, has been shown to improve lung function, reduce exacerbations, and improve health status in patients with COPD and asthma 3, 5, 6.
Salmeterol-Fluticasone Combination Therapy
- The salmeterol-fluticasone combination has been found to have synergistic effects, improving efficacy in controlling symptoms and reducing exacerbations in patients with COPD and asthma 3, 5.
- Studies have demonstrated that salmeterol-fluticasone combination therapy can improve lung function, reduce the frequency of exacerbations, and improve health-related quality of life in patients with asthma and COPD 6, 7.
Treatment Compliance and Effectiveness
- Treatment compliance is crucial for the effectiveness of inhalation therapies, and the salmeterol-fluticasone Easyhaler device has been found to improve treatment compliance and patient preference in a real-world setting 7.
- The salmeterol-fluticasone combination has been shown to be effective in improving lung function parameters and disease control in patients with asthma, COPD, and asthma-COPD overlap syndrome 7.