Via practica 2/2006

MANAGEMENT OF THE CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a civilization disease with growing trend of its incidence and mortality. 95% of cases are caused by smoking; that is why smoking avoidance is the only effective preventive measure, as well as smoking cessation the only step capable of slowing down progression of the disease. Although it is a chronic inflammation, systemic as well as inhaled corticosteroids are minimaly effective, that is why drugs of choice are bronchodilators. Adding of inhaled steroids is useful in severe stages with frequent exacerbations. Among non-pharmacological methods rehabilitation is of significance; end-stages are managed by transplantation. Exacerbations significantly worsen quality of life and speed up progression of the disease; in more severe forms short courses of systemic steroids are needed and in the case of signs of infection antibiotics.

Keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, smoking, inhaled steroids, bronchodilators, exacerbations.