Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in asymptomatic smokers.

摘要: BACKGROUND Physicians do not routinely recommend smokers to undergo spirometry unless they are symptomatic. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that there a significant number of asymptomatic with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we estimated prevalence COPD in group smokers. METHODS Two thousand nine hundred and sixty-one cumulative consumption history at least 10 pack-years, either symptoms or without (WOS) were invited perform complete symptom questionnaire. RESULTS Six thirty-seven (21.5%) had no symptoms, whereas 2,324 (78.5%) one symptom. The subjects WOS was 1.5% when considering whole (45/2,961) 7% only (45/637). From 329 COPD, 13.7% WOS. Subjects younger, better lung function lower cigarettes, as both cigarettes per day pack-years. According severity airflow limitation, 69% vs 87% classified Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stages I-II groups, respectively (P<0.001). A multivariate analysis showed forced expiratory volume 1 second (mL) predictive factor CONCLUSION Prevalence is 1.5%. This may be excluded from benefit an "early" intervention, just pharmacological but also smoking cessation counseling. higher contribute prevent early diagnosis.