Which drug class is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma?

Bronchodilators are the appropriate drug class used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma because they work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, leading to dilation of the bronchial passages. This dilation facilitates easier airflow, which is crucial for individuals suffering from conditions that constrict airway passages, such as asthma and COPD.

The use of bronchodilators can provide quick relief from acute exacerbations of these respiratory conditions, and they also play a role in the long-term management of symptoms. There are different types of bronchodilators, including short-acting beta agonists (SABAs) for immediate relief and long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) for maintenance therapy.

Other classes of drugs listed, such as NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, and statins, do not have a direct role in treating respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma. NSAIDs are primarily used for pain relief and inflammation, ACE inhibitors are typically prescribed for hypertension and heart failure, and statins are used to manage cholesterol levels. Therefore, the primary focus for managing COPD and asthma effectively relies on the use of bronchodilators.