[Obstructive respiratory tract diseases--new standards in therapy]

Presentation of modern-day therapeutic procedures in various stages of obstructive airway diseases.

Subacute bronchitis and hypersensitivity of the bronchial system are early symptoms of obstructive diseases of the airways. Highly effective prophylactic treatment includes adrenocortical hormones (ACH) (corticosteroid) inhalation and antibiotics used individually or in combination for a variety of indications, are now available. In cases of manifest airway obstruction (Stage B), bronchodilators are additionally required. Of those presently available, the beta 2 sympathicomimetics head the list. For anticholinergics and theophylline there are additional indications. If the resulting response is unsatisfactory, oral ACH must be employed in addition to ACH inhalation and bronchodilators. Cromoglycate administered for a period of four to six weeks should always be tried. In the stage of severe exacerbation (C), intravenous water-soluble ACH in combination with antibiotics, are necessary. The entire spectrum of bronchodilators should also be utilized. Functional analysis during treatment prevents under- or overtreatment.

In particular in the early stages, the aim of treatment of obstructive airway diseases is prophylactic.