17th February 2025

A 74-year-old man with severe COPD is admitted to hospital with an acute infective exacerbation.

A 74-year-old man with severe COPD is admitted to hospital with an acute infective exacerbation. He is treated with nebulisers, steroids, antibiotics and oxygen therapy. He expresses wishes not to be admitted to ITU or have non-invasive ventilation. He makes a good recovery but remains breathless on minimal exertion. Before admission, he was on maximal inhaler therapy with home nebulisers and long-term oxygen therapy. Which of the following is most likely to help his ongoing breathlessness?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.