[How much pulmonary diagnostics does the family physician need?].

Spirometry plays the major role in pulmonary diagnostics in the family practice, but is still used much too rarely on patients with respiratory symptoms. Every patient with shortness of breath or a chronic, persistent cough should have spirometry performed. Needless to say, taking a selective medical history and auscultation of the lungs and heart are additional, important pillars for making a diagnosis. Measurement of the peak expiratory flow (PEF) can be especially helpful in emergencies. Pulse oxymetry also aids in the assessment of acute situations and additionally, can provide valuable information in the follow-up treatment of chronic respiratory diseases.