[Ambulatory treatment of chronic obstructive lung diseases]

The treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has three main purposes: 1. to reduce the work of breathing, 2. to prevent exacerbation of the disease, and 3. to lessen the complications of chronic hypoxemia. The treatment of bronchospasm (beta 2-stimulators, xanthines, parasympathicolytics and possibly corticosteroids) is or primary importance. Harmful irritants, such as cigarette smoking, should be eliminated to decrease hypersecretion. Both well directed antibiotic therapy and treatment of heart failure influence the outcome of therapy. Finally, accessory measures such as physiotherapy and physical exercise are also part of the rehabilitation program for these patients.