Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. General and medical management with special attention to exacerbations.

The general management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma is discussed. Pathophysiological mechanisms of bronchial obstruction and inflammation are briefly described. The importance of preventive measures is emphasized. Medicine prescribed in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, their relative place in treatment schedules and route of administration are reviewed. Finally, the importance of maximal bronchodilatation in exacerbations is stressed and the few indications for antibiotic treatment are discussed.