[Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other pulmonary diseases among participants of the program of early detection and prevention of COPD].

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most frequent chronic diseases and the sixth leading cause of death in the world. The cigarette smoking is the most important cause of the disease and therefore, that COPD is preventable. Programmes detecting COPD in its preclinical phase using spirometry with successful smoking cessation prevent disease progression. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of COPD and other pulmonary diseases among participants of the program of early detection and prevention of COPD. The program was held in 2002 and carried out by eleven health care institutions. Active smokers over 40 insured in the Fund were offered free spirometry, chest x ray, individual and group behavioural therapy to stop smoking, and chest physician's examination for patients with diagnosed pathology. The results confirm high detection of COPD and other diseases and confirm the efficacy of targeted screening for early detection of COPD and other diseases.