In which condition can LABAs be used alone without anti-inflammatory medications?

Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) can be used as monotherapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because the primary issue in COPD is airway obstruction resulting from the structural changes in the lungs, rather than underlying inflammation. In contrast, asthma is characterized by significant airway inflammation, and guidelines recommend the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in conjunction with LABAs due to the inflammatory component of the disease.

In the case of allergic bronchospasm, while LABAs may provide relief, they do not address the underlying inflammatory processes associated with allergic responses and asthma. Similarly, chronic bronchitis is a component of COPD, and although LABAs can help alleviate symptoms, it is typically recommended to use them alongside anti-inflammatory treatments to manage the inflammation present in those cases.

Thus, the correct choice is COPD, where LABAs can be effective on their own for symptom management without the need for anti-inflammatory medications, especially in patients who are not experiencing frequent exacerbations or who may not have significant inflammation.