[A survey of recommended measures in COPD (II)]

The authors aimed to test the doctors' opinion-general practitioners (Gen), internal medicine specialists (Int) and pulmonologists (PNF) about the therapeutic approach in COPD. 300 questionnaires including 53 questions were mailed; 103 filled-in questionnaires were recovered (33.34%). Most of the doctors consider necessary the initial diagnosis in hospital. The Gen send the patients mostly to the Int and less to the PNF. Most doctors accept that the treatment should be started in pulmonology clinics. All the doctors prescribe teophillins; the beta-agonists are prescribed twice as much by the PNF than Int, and very little by Gen. The oral corticosteroids are used by half of the doctors; the inhaled corticoids are prescribed seldom and only by PNF. The i.v. corticoids are used by half of Int. All the doctors recommend smoking cessation. Only the PNF drag the attention upon the bacterial infections. The kinesitherapy is seldom recommended, even by PNF.