Med Klin
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COPD is a frequent disease, affecting approximately one in four smokers. In older patients > 70 years of age, the proportion of individuals who never have smoked increases up to one in three individuals. Severe disease is present in 10%, and the limitation of performance is usually caused by airway obstruction, in a smaller portion of patients by the loss of alveolar surface (emphysema). ⋯ First data are rather disappointing. Ultimate alternative remains lung transplantation with life expectancy ranging between 5-6 years independent of age. Indeed, consequent application of previously described measures might preserve a stable state over many years.