In this article, the pharmacological management of chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is discussed based
on current evidence and guidelines. Examples from two
anonymized case studies from practice are provided. The
discussion focuses on current National Institute for Health and
Clinical Excellence (2010) guidance for COPD, and furthermore
presents information on newer therapies that have become
available since the NICE guidelines were published. The article
includes information on both drug and device options for
treating COPD.