Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of death and disability throughout the world.
COPD is a progressive respiratory illness characterised by chronic airflow limitation, shortness of breath (or dyspnoea), cough, wheezing and increased sputum (mucus or phlegm) production. These symptoms, in particular breathlessness, can restrict a patient's ability to perform normal daily activities. Smoking is the predominant cause of COPD, accounting for 80-90 % of the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The disease is increasingly observed in women.
COPD has a significant physical and emotional impact on those who suffer from the disease. As chronic obstructive pulmonary disease progresses, lung function declines over time and physical activity becomes severely limited, disrupting the patient's ability to lead a full life, interfering with everyday tasks, like participating in family routines and social interactions. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to help patients remain independent, prevent complications and exacerbations, and improve quality of life.
Anticholinergics are the first line recommendation for COPD
Anticholinergics, a traditional core competence of Boehringer Ingelheim, are the first line recommendation for the management of COPD in many guidelines. Their qualities beyond bronchodilatation, i.e. improvement of dyspnoea, exercise tolerance, promoting sleep quality, decreasing COPD exacerbations and improving disease related quality of life for patients is the focus of ongoing modern clinical research. These improvements were to some extent already seen with marketed anticholinergics, but have become significantly greater with new developments.
The most effective intervention in COPD remains giving up smoking. Consequently smoking cessation should be standard treatment for COPD, accompanied by the usage of bronchodilators.
Products
Spiriva® (tiotropium)
Indicated as a bronchodilator for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Spiriva® is now available as Spiriva® HandiHaler® and the Spiriva® Respimat® Soft Mist™ Inhaler.
Atrovent® (ipratropium bromide)
Indicated as a bronchodilator for maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma.
Combivent® (ipratropium bromide/salbutamol)
Indicated for the management of reversible bronchospasm associated with obstructive airway diseases in patients who require more than a single bronchodilator.
Berodual® Duovent® (fenoterol/ipratropium bromide)
Indicated for the prevention and treatment of reversible bronchospasm associated with bronchial asthma and especially chronic bronchitis with or without emphysema.
Devices/CFC Transition
The Montreal Protocol and several supplementary legally binding international agreements lay down the gradual elimination of all production and use of ozone depleting substances, particularly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which have been widely used as aerosol propellants. Of particular relevance to Boehringer Ingelheim is the switch from CFC-driven Metered Dose Inhalers to those propelled by the more environmentally-friendly hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs).
Boehringer Ingelheim has already launched HFA-products for their established bronchodilators Berotec®, Berodual® and Atrovent® in many countries, and has also given a lot of attention to the development of an alternative inhaler device that is propellant-free.
Respimat® Soft Mist™ Inhaler
The result is the Respimat® Soft Mist™ Inhaler, a highly innovative approach to inhaler technology that is designed to meet patients' needs and is also environmentally friendly. To learn more about Respimat® Soft Mist™ Inhaler we invite you to visit the global Respimat® website.
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