Which chronic disease is commonly treated with long-acting beta agonists (LABAs)?

Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) are primarily used in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. However, in the context of chronic diseases, the optimal choice for LABA treatment is COPD. LABAs work by relaxing the muscles of the airways, leading to dilation and improved airflow, which is crucial for individuals with COPD who experience difficulty breathing due to airway obstruction.

While LABAs can be used in asthma management as well, they are often prescribed in combination with inhaled corticosteroids. In COPD, they play a significant role in symptom control and improving lung function as part of a broader management plan. The other options—diabetes mellitus and cardiac arrhythmias—are not conditions treated with LABAs, as they involve different pathophysiological mechanisms and require other classes of medications for management. Thus, when considering chronic diseases treated with LABAs, the focus is rightly on COPD.