Exacerbation-like respiratory symptoms in individuals without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: results from a population-based study.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Exacerbations of COPD are defined clinically by worsening of chronic respiratory symptoms. Chronic respiratory symptoms are common in the general population. There are no data on the frequency of exacerbation-like events in individuals without spirometric evidence of COPD.

Aims

To determine the occurrence of 'exacerbation-like' events in individuals without airflow limitation, their associated risk factors, healthcare utilisation and social impacts.

Method

We analysed the cross-sectional data from 5176 people aged 40 years and older who participated in a multisite, population-based study on lung health. The study cohort was stratified into spirometrically defined COPD (post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 0.7) and non-COPD (post bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ≥ 0.7 and w

SUBMITTER: Tan WC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4112491 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature