[Corticosteroids for treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

There is scientific evidence that corticosteroids should be given in exacerbation of COPD. It is still controversial if patients with stable COPD could receive benefits by long-term administration with inhaled corticosteroids. However, many investigators recently consider favorable opinions for inhaled corticosteroids, since inhaled corticosteroids could decrease the frequency of exacerbation especially in severe to moderate COPD.