Preventing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a multidisciplinary approach.

Chemoprophylaxis, combined with prolonged treatment of bronchospasm, in patients with incipient or minimal obstructive chest disease has shown promising results in 30 patients. Physicians should include in their regular examination some means of early detection for chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and in suitable cases institute chemoprophylaxis during the winter, as well as preventive vaccinations. In addition, longterm treatment of bronchial problems should be continued. This combined approach will help prevent recurrent infections which accelerate the progress of chronic obstructive chest disease.