Regular treatment with inhaled corticosteroids will not change the mortality or long-term decline of FEV1 in patients with COPD. However, regular use of inhaled corticosteroids reduces the frequency of exacerbations in COPD patients with an FEV1 less than 60% predicted, and improves COPD symptoms, lung function, and quality of life. Clinical trials in COPD patients have used only moderate to high doses of inhaled corticosteroids; the dose-response relationships and long-term safety data in COPD are not known. A disadvantage of inhaled glucocorticosteroid treatment is that some patients may experience an exacerbation during steroid withdrawal. The efficacy and adverse effect profile will depend on the dose and the type of corticosteroid chosen