[Treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

American, British and European guidelines on the management and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were issued in last years. In October 1998 Croatian guidelines were presented. They are very similar to British guidelines. The treatment of COPD depends on the severity of the disease and reversibility of bronchoconstriction. The drug of first choice is ipratropium bromide, but useful are also beta2-agonists of short (albuterol) and long action (salmeterol) and theophylline. Inhalation of corticosteroids is also indicated. The prerequisite of successful treatment is to stop smoking.