[Remission and recurrence of chronic obstructive lung disease in air pollution caused lung disease patients in the Yokkaichi area].

A study was conducted of patients covered by National Health Insurance (NHI) with chronic obstructive lung diseases legally-recognized as being caused by air pollution (Group A) and those not legally-recognized as air pollution caused (Group B) in the Yokkaichi area. Records of medical examinations (medical fee NHI statement), were examined, focusing on recurrence and remission. Over all incidence of recurrence after remission in asthmatic bronchitis and bronchial asthma conditions was 25% in Group A and 18% in Group B patients although with differences observed in different age groups. Approximately 50%-70% of the recurrence occurred within 3 years, and this incidence decreased approximately in proportion to time elapsed. Total remission rates for patients who had remission without recurrence and those who had remission after recurrence of bronchial asthma was approximately 39% in Group A and about 77% in Group B.