[Prophylaxis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the fourth leading cause of death in the world, is responsible for considerable morbidity and deterioration of quality of life of patients and their families. Prevention of COPD aims at reducing the burden of the disease. Prevention of COPD includes measures of tobacco control, reduction of the impact of harmful environment and the use of vaccination. However, despite proven efficacy of these methods, they are often inadequately applied.