COPD in never smokers: results from the population-based burden of obstructive lung disease study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Never smokers comprise a substantial proportion of patients with COPD. Their characteristics and possible risk factors in this population are not yet well defined.

Methods

We analyzed data from 14 countries that participated in the international, population-based Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study. Participants were aged ≥ 40 years and completed postbronchodilator spirometry testing plus questionnaires about respiratory symptoms, health status, and exposure to COPD risk factors. A diagnosis of COPD was based on the postbronchodilator FEV₁/FVC ratio, according to current GOLD (Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease) guidelines. In addition to this, the lower limit of normal (LLN) was evaluated as an alternative threshold for the FEV₁/FVC ratio.

SUBMITTER: Lamprecht B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3168866 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature