Inhaled LABAs represent the most effective class of bronchodilators in asthma. Several studies have demonstrated that administering a long-acting inhaled β₂-agonist to patients whose asthma is not controlled with either low or high doses of ICS provides better control of asthma symptoms and lung function than increasing 2-fold or more the dose of the ICS.

In COPD, inhaled bronchodilators, including LABAs, still remain the foundation of pharmacotherapy, because of their ability to alleviate symptoms, decrease exacerbations of disease and improve the quality of life. Additionally, dynamic hyperinflation (air trapping) can be improved by bronchodilators even in the absence of dramatic lung function changes measured at rest.