Final answer:
The use of inhaled corticosteroids for more than 24 weeks in COPD patients increases the risk of respiratory infections, possibly due to changes in immune response and increased lung inflammation, which can lead to higher rates of hospital and ED visits, and even premature mortality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who use inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for more than 24 weeks have an increased risk of respiratory infections. The use of ICS can affect the immune system and inflammatory response, potentially leading to a higher susceptibility to infections. This risk is further emphasized in individuals with underlying lung diseases, such as COPD, where respiratory functions are already compromised. Additionally, long-term ICS use can exacerbate lung conditions and contribute to a decline in lung function, which may result in increased hospital admissions, emergency department (ED) visits, and can potentially lead to premature mortality.
It is also important to note that environmental factors such as exposure to ground-level ozone pollution can also trigger asthma and reactive airways, contributing to the worsening condition of patients with lung diseases like COPD. Moreover, smoking, both firsthand and secondhand, greatly increases the risk of developing COPD and complicates the condition by reducing lung elasticity and increasing inflammation in the lungs.