BACKGROUND Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are of major importance since they are associated with adverse effects on morbidity, health status, and costs. Conventional treatment includes the use of antibiotics and oral corticosteroids (OCS). However, OCS is associated with significant side effects. This is of considerable importance since exacerbation occurs on average 2 to 4 times per year in COPD patients. Alternative treatment such as high dose inhaled corticosteroids has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of AECOPD. Recently, studies have clearly demonstrated the effect of combination therapy (SFP) on key inflammatory cells and a marked enhance anti-inflammatory effect when compared to inhaled corticosteroids alone. Inhaled corticosteroids have a high level of topical anti-inflammatory activity and a low level of systemic. Additionally, combination therapy with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonists (SFP) appears to produce significant anti-inflammatory effects in COPD airways that are not seen when inhaled or oral steroids are used alone. This could offer a potential for an alternative treatment to oral corticosteroids in AECOPD.