Abstract
The pathogenesis, morbidity, mortality, and economic impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are similar to those of coronary heart disease. But in contrast to cardiologists pulmonologists have not yet developed and tested worldwide preventive strategies. Based on a research pneumobile in the FRG, the Institute for Preventive Medicine in Graz has developed a Pneumobile for general use. The program is aimed at all groups that can contribute to the prevention of COPD. This means the lay public, physicians, health-care providers, and politicians, and especially the media. To date about 10,500 people from all social levels have been tested in the pneumobile; 8% underwent a lysis test. The Pneumobile was stationed at heavily frequented locations in urban and rural centers. About 10 times as many people got a close look, and 100–1000 times as many heard of the Pneumobile and were made aware of the problem of COPD.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Fletcher CM, et al. (1978) The natural history of chronic airflow obstruction. Br Med J 1:1645
Harnoncourt K, Forche G (1988) Versuch einer Quantifizierung chronischer Atemwegserkrankungen. Prax Klin Pneumol 42:491
Higgins MW, Kellar JB, Becker M, Howatt W, Landis JR, Rotman H, Weg JC, Higgins I (1982) An index of risk for obstructive airway disease. Am Rev Respir Dis 125:144
Ulmer WT (1986) Prevention of airway obstruction. Eur J Respir Dis 69:109
Van der Lende R, et al. (1986) Epidemiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Eur J Respir Dis 69:49
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Harnoncourt, K.H. A program for the prevention of lung diseases. Lung 168 (Suppl 1), 514–519 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02718173
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02718173