Nebuliser therapy is most often used in patients with severe COPD, particularly those with frequent exacerbations and worse lung function, according to long-term cohort data.
The study tracked nearly 3,000 participants, including those with COPD and tobacco-exposed individuals, to assess nebuliser patterns.
At baseline, use was highest in advanced disease, with nearly half of the most severe group reporting it. Nebuliser use was strongly linked to recent exacerbations, lower lung function, and higher symptom burden.
Despite severe disease, long-acting nebulised therapy was rare, suggesting use is mostly for symptom relief rather than maintenance. This points to a gap in optimizing inhaled therapy, especially for patients struggling with handheld inhalers.
The findings indicate a reactive pattern, raising questions about better aligning treatment with disease severity.