Among the following options, which is NOT typically included in the treatment plan for COPD?

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Frequent oral corticosteroids are not a standard part of the treatment plan for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management. The cornerstone of COPD treatment focuses on long-term management strategies that address the underlying issues and improve the patient's quality of life.

Smoking cessation is the most critical intervention, as it can significantly slow the progression of the disease, reduce symptoms, and improve overall outcomes. Long-acting anticholinergics and bronchodilators are frequently used to manage symptoms and improve airflow by relaxing the airway muscles.

Home oxygen therapy is indicated for patients with severe hypoxemia, providing supplemental oxygen to improve oxygen saturation levels and enhance the patient's functional capacity. In contrast, while corticosteroids can be beneficial during acute exacerbations of COPD to reduce inflammation, their frequent use in the chronic management of COPD is not recommended due to potential side effects and lack of clear benefit in stable disease management. Therefore, chronic use of oral corticosteroids does not align with standard COPD treatment protocols.

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