Figure 2.

A proposed step-by-step algorithm for safely withdrawing ICS from patients with COPD in real-life clinical practice.

Abbreviations: ACOS, asthma–COPD overlap syndrome; CAT, COPD Assessment Test; CCQ9, Chronic COPD Questionnaire; COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; FeNO, fractional exhaled nitric oxide; GINA, Global Initiative for Asthma; GOLD, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease; ICS, inhaled corticosteroids; LABA, long-acting β₂-agonist; LABD, long-acting bronchodilator; LAMA, long-acting muscarinic antagonist; mMRC, modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale; ppb, parts per billion.