Question

Mr. B is an 82 year old patient who comes to the dental hygiene clinic for removal of tobacco stain resulting from 50 years of smoking two packs a day. He quit smoking several years ago but is still short of breath when he has to climb stairs or walk any distance. His physician had been treating him for asthma with a short-acting albuterol metered-dose inhaler; however, Mr.B did not get any relief from his symptoms and was becoming increasingly tired and short winded. Upon recommendation from his daughter, a health professional, he went to see a pulmonologist, who diagnosed him as having COPD. His medication was changed to a long-acting B2-agonist salmeterol and a long-acting inhaled anticholinergic agent tiotropium bromide. He had almost immediate relief of his shortness of breath and reports that his energy level increased dramatically, which is important to him because he still works as the owner of a painting business. His other medications include clopidogrel, simvastatin, and hydrochlorothiazide. His BP is 140/90, heart rate is 94, and respiratory rate is 16 breaths per minute. His oral hygiene is fair, and he wears an upper denture. Upon removal of his denture, the hygienist notes that he appears to have a fungal infection on his plate. He also complains that he has had a bad taste in his mouth since starting these medications.

If Mr. B needs additional symptomatic relief from his COPD, which other drug group might be added to his treatment?
A. Leukotriene modifiers
B. Inhaled corticosteroids
C. Methylxanthines
D. Anti-immunoglobin E antibodies

Answer 1

The medication group that might be added to Mr. B's COPD treatment for additional symptomatic relief is inhaled corticosteroids.

Step-by-step explanation:

The medication groups most commonly used to treat COPD are bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids. In Mr. B's case, he has already been prescribed a long-acting B2-agonist and a long-acting inhaled anticholinergic agent for his COPD symptoms. If he needs additional symptomatic relief, the next drug group that might be added to his treatment is inhaled corticosteroids. Inhaled corticosteroids, such as fluticasone and budesonide, are anti-inflammatory medications that help reduce airway swelling and mucus production, providing further relief for COPD symptoms.