Hierarchy of bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory treatment
| Bronchodilator | Anti-inflammatory |
| No treatment | No treatment |
| Short-acting β-agonist, as required | ICS <400 μg |
| Regular short-acting anticholinergic | ICS <800 μg |
| Long-acting β-agonist | ICS <2000 μg |
| Long-acting anticholinergic | Prednisolone 5 mg daily |
| Theophylline | Prednisolone 10 mg daily |
| Nebuliser trial | Prednisolone 30 mg daily |
ICS: inhaled corticosteroids. ICS doses are beclomethasone equivalents·day−1.