[Early diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)]

Since the early detection of COPD is problematic, nonobstructed smokers with a chronic productive cough are initially assigned to the COPD risk group o. Although there is still a lack of evidence that early pharmacological intervention is associated with benefits in terms of disease progression, the earliest possible diagnosis is still considered a desirable goal. For the sooner triggering noxae, such as cigarette smoke, are eliminated, the more positive are the effects on the subsequent course of the illness. When establishing the diagnosis, a careful case history is of particular importance. With the aid of various diagnostic pulmonary function tests, degrees of severity can be differentiated and the course of COPD can be determined. Since the end of 2004, structured therapeutic programs for COPD have become available.