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.

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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. None of the speakers have anything to disclose.

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Clinical Resources from Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:

• Article: Clear the Air With New COPD Guidelines
• Chart: Inhaled Medications for COPD
• Algorithm: Improving COPD Care
• Algorithm: Stepwise Treatment of Asthma (12 Years and Older)
• Algorithm: Stepwise Treatment of Asthma (Under 12 Years of Age)

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