Skip Navigation



Family Practice Advance Access published online on June 17, 2005
Family Practice, doi:10.1093/fampra/cmi049
This Article
Right arrow FREE Full Text (PDF) Freely available
Right arrow All Versions of this Article:
22/5/485    most recent
cmi049v1
Right arrow E-letters: Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when E-letters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Add to My Personal Archive
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrowRequest Permissions
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Geijer, R. M. M.
Right arrow Articles by Verheij, T. J. M.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Geijer, R. M. M.
Right arrow Articles by Verheij, T. J. M.
Social Bookmarking
Add to CiteULike   Add to Connotea   Add to Del.icio.us  
What's this?

© The Author (2005). Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.
Received September 21, 2004
Accepted April 21, 2005

Article

Prevalence of undetected persistent airflow obstruction in male smokers 40-65 years old

Roeland M. M. Geijer 1*, Alfred P. E. Sachs 1, Arno W. Hoes 1, Philippe L. Salomé 1, Jan-Willem J. Lammers 1, and Theo J. M. Verheij 1

1 Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care and Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Heart Lung Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, PO Box 85060, 3500 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Roeland M. M. Geijer, E-mail: rmmgeyer{at}hotmail.com


  Abstract

Background. Airflow obstruction in smokers is often diagnosed relatively late. Earlier detection of airflow obstruction and smoking cessation may result in significant health gain.

Objective. To determine the prevalence of previously undetected persistent airflow obstruction according to WHO/GOLD criteria in male smokers aged 40 to 65 years and its correlation with age, smoking history and the presence of coughing.

Methods. In a cross-sectional study among 805 male smokers aged 40-65 years spirometry was performed according to ATS recommendations. In participants with low lung function (FEV1 < 85% predicted) a bronchodilator test was performed.

Results. In 702 participants [mean age 50 years (SD 6.6), mean number of pack years 24.7 (SD 9.6)] with acceptable spirometric curves, previously undetected airflow obstruction was found in 210 subjects (29.9%; 95% CI 26.5-33.4): mild airflow obstruction (GOLD stage 1) in 182 subjects (25.9%; 22.7-29.3) and moderate airflow obstruction (GOLD stage 2) in 28 (4.0%; 2.7-5.7). In the older age group (≥55 years) airflow obstruction (GOLD 1 or higher) was found in 45% versus 21% in the youngest age group (40-44 years). In subjects with ≥30 pack years the prevalence of airflow obstruction was 45% versus 20% among those with <20 pack years. In smokers reporting coughing the prevalence was 47% versus 25% in those not reporting this symptom.

Conclusion. The prevalence of undetected persistent airflow obstruction in middle-aged smokers is high. Targeted screening therefore, especially in smokers aged 40-65 years needs to be considered.

Keywords: Airflow obstruction; middle age; screening; smokers; spirometry.
Add to CiteULike CiteULike   Add to Connotea Connotea   Add to Del.icio.us Del.icio.us    What's this?


This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 Fam PractHome page
B. D. Broekhuizen, A. P. Sachs, R. Oostvogels, A. W Hoes, T. J. Verheij, and K. G. Moons
The diagnostic value of history and physical examination for COPD in suspected or known cases: a systematic review
Fam. Pract., August 1, 2009; 26(4): 260 - 268.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Fam PractHome page
C. Gingter, S. Wilm, and H.-H. Abholz
Is COPD a rare disease? Prevalence and identification rates in smokers aged 40 years and over within general practice in Germany
Fam. Pract., February 1, 2009; 26(1): 3 - 9.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Eur Respir JHome page
G. Viegi, F. Pistelli, D. L. Sherrill, S. Maio, S. Baldacci, and L. Carrozzi
Definition, epidemiology and natural history of COPD
Eur. Respir. J., November 1, 2007; 30(5): 993 - 1013.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Disclaimer: Please note that abstracts for content published before 1996 were created through digital scanning and may therefore not exactly replicate the text of the original print issues. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, but the Publisher will not be held responsible for any remaining inaccuracies. If you require any further clarification, please contact our Customer Services Department.