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 > or =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.
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 > or =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.
Authors: Berna D L Broekhuizen; Alfred P E Sachs; Arno W Hoes; Karel G M Moons; Jan W K van den Berg; Willem H Dalinghaus; Ernst Lammers; Theo J M Verheij Journal: Br J Gen Pract Date: 2010-07 Impact factor: 5.386
Authors: Roeland M M Geijer; Alfred P E Sachs; Theo J M Verheij; Philippe L Salomé; Jan-Willem J Lammers; Arno W Hoes Journal: Br J Gen Pract Date: 2006-09 Impact factor: 5.386
Authors: Roeland Mm Geijer; Alfred Pe Sachs; Theo Jm Verheij; Huib Am Kerstjens; Marijke M Kuyvenhoven; Arno W Hoes Journal: Br J Gen Pract Date: 2007-06 Impact factor: 5.386
Authors: Yvonne van Mourik; Karel G M Moons; Loes C M Bertens; Johannes B Reitsma; Arno W Hoes; Frans H Rutten Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2012-05-28 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Shamil Mm Haroon; Rachel E Jordan; Joanne O'Beirne-Elliman; Peymane Adab Journal: NPJ Prim Care Respir Med Date: 2015-08-27 Impact factor: 2.871