Updated COPD Guidelines: Strategies for Treatment and Management | Clinical Capsules Podcast

Updated COPD guidelines are reshaping how soon patients start daily inhalers—and what therapies make the most sense based on symptoms and risk. In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP, reviews practical, guideline-based strategies for treating and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Don highlights common factors that increase exacerbation risk and explains how current recommendations aim to better match therapy to patient needs. He also clarifies key differences between COPD and asthma, walks through the main goals of COPD management, and reviews where short- and long-acting bronchodilators, as well as inhaled corticosteroids, fit into care. The discussion includes when to escalate treatment, common inhaler technique mistakes that limit effectiveness, and non-drug strategies that can help keep patients out of the hospital. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How updated guidelines approach COPD treatment and escalation When to use short-acting inhalers, dual bronchodilators, or triple therapy Common inhaler technique errors that increase exacerbation risk The role of smoking cessation, vaccinations, and adherence in improving outcomes This is an excerpt from our February 2026 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series. 🏷️Use code cc1026 at checkout for 10% off a new or upgraded subscription. https://trchealthcare.com/shop/?trc_p... ****** CE Information: TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for pharmacist subscribers at our platinum level or higher and pharmacy technician subscribers. Log in to your Pharmacist’s Letter or Pharmacy Technician’s Letter account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses. https://trchealthcare.com/login/ None of the speakers have anything to disclose. Claim Credit: https://learning.therapeuticresearch.... ****** Clinical Resources from Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights: Article: Clear the Air With New COPD Guidelines: https://learning.therapeuticresearch.... Chart: Inhaled Medications for COPD: https://learning.therapeuticresearch.... Algorithm: Improving COPD Care: https://learning.therapeuticresearch.... Algorithm: Stepwise Treatment of Asthma (12 Years and Older): https://learning.therapeuticresearch.... Algorithm: Stepwise Treatment of Asthma (Under 12 Years of Age): https://learning.therapeuticresearch.... Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools: 🎓 Are you a student? Great news—students can access a free version of Pharmacist’s Letter. https://login.therapeuticresearch.com... 📌 If you’re not yet a subscriber, find out more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com. Connect with us: 🗪 Send us a Fan Mail: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442384/fa... 👍 Follow, rate, and review this show in your favorite podcast app. 📩 You can also reach out to provide feedback or make suggestions by emailing us at [email protected]. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 00:00 - Introduction 00:34 - CE Information 01:06 - Introduction 02:23 - COPD vs Asthma: Key Differences 04:05 - COPD Treatment Goals 05:13 - COPD Medications Overview 05:54 - GOLD Guidelines: Initial Treatment (Group A) 07:02 - Bronchodilators: Short vs Long-Acting 09:24 - Group B: Dual Long-Acting Therapy 10:17 - Group E: When to Add ICS / Triple Therapy 11:27 - Advanced COPD Therapy & Meds to Avoid 12:43 - COPD Practice Pearls (Inhaler Safety) 13:40 - Improving COPD Outcomes (Smoking, Vaccines, Adherence) 14:28 - Inhaler Technique: Common Mistakes 16:43 - Disease-Drug Interactions 17:18 - Case Wrap-Up: What Went Wrong 18:04 - Conclusion