[Check-ups in pneumonology].

Check-up examinations in chest medicine are useful tests for early detection of numerous diseases of the respiratory system. They should focus in particular on the most frequent and chronically progressive airway-diseases (asthma, chronic bronchitis) in order to avoid severe illness and early disability including bronchial carcinoma and tuberculosis to offer a more favourable outcome to the patient. By the correct planning of an individual check-up the patient's conditions have to be carefully considered by estimating epidemiological facts, personal risk factors, the presence of prodromal symptoms and the availability of cost-effective diagnostic procedures as well. The efficacy of the individual screening in respiratory diseases implies systematic and periodical check-up examinations which unfortunately are not everywhere established.