Background: One of the most common chronic diseases of the airways is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Increased inflammatory response on stimuli, such as cigarette smoke and harmful environmental agents (e.g. dust and gases), plays an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD. Elimination of risk factors and many years treatment require proper patients’ education.

The aim of the study was the assessment of the level of the knowledge of risk factors and their elimination, principles of proper treatment and correct technique of taking medications.

Material and methods: 102 patients with COPD were included into the study. The study was performed using questionnaires, the analysis of medical documentation and the assessment of the technique of administration of  inhaled drugs.

Results: The level of the knowledge of studied patients of risk factors of the development and worsening of the disease and their elimination was unsatisfactory. The analysis of the data obtained in questionnaires suggest, that also knowledge of the technique of using inhaled drugs is insufficient. The knowledge of the principles of the treatment with inhaled drugs diminished as the severity of the disease and patients’ age increased. About the half of studied patients had also the poor knowledge of the principles of avoidance of adverse events of used drugs, assessment of disease control and recognizing of COPD exacerbation symptoms.

Conclusions: The knowledge of COPD patients of their disease, influence of risk factors of its development and course and principles of the treatment is insufficient and does not guarantee  proper compliance.