Treatment of Influenza in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma
This protocol covers influenza in patients with underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or bronchospasm — where the presence of reactive airway disease directly shapes antiviral treatment selection.
Clinical Situation
Patients with COPD, asthma, or bronchospasm face a heightened risk of reactive airway exacerbation during influenza. This risk makes the route of antiviral administration a clinically important decision in this population, and the standard inhaled formulation may not be the safest choice.
Treatment Goals
Reduction in the duration of fever and influenza symptoms.
Treatment Approach (partial)
In these patients, noninhaled antiviral treatment is the preferred approach. If an inhaled option is considered, specific precautions apply. The complete protocol — agents, sequencing, and management of bronchospasm risk — is available below.
Full regimen available in the structured protocol →
References
- Because of the potential for exacerbation of reactive airway disease in influenza patients with COPD, asthma, or bronchospasm, noninhaled antiviral treatment may be safer in these individuals, although controlled studies are not available.
- If inhaled zanamivir is used, bronchodilators should be readily available in case bronchospasm occurs.
DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy866
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