American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ABFM Practice Questions and Study Guide

Inhaled bronchodilators or steroids are often a critical part of the management strategy for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), especially when they experience dyspnea. These medications work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, which can help open them up and improve airflow. This is particularly important in COPD, where airflow limitation is a core issue.

Additionally, inhaled corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation in the airways, which can further contribute to easier breathing and symptom management. For a patient experiencing acute dyspnea, utilizing these agents promptly can provide significant relief and improve the overall management of their condition.

In contrast, while diuretics may be beneficial in managing fluid retention in certain patients, they do not directly address the underlying respiratory issues causing dyspnea in COPD. Increasing physical activity is generally a long-term goal for improving overall function and may not provide immediate relief for acute symptoms. Initiating oxygen therapy could be warranted in patients with low oxygen saturation levels, but the acute management of dyspnea in COPD primarily benefits from bronchodilators or corticosteroids to relieve airway constriction and inflammation.