ABSTRACT
UNLABELLED: COPD is the most frequent chronic lung disease in Poland. The disease is however under-diagnosed, especially at the early stages. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of spirometric screening for COPD in middle aged smokers. Informations on causes and symptoms of COPD were disseminated in mass media in 14 large cities. Subject aged over 39 and with smoking history of > 10 packyears were invited for a free spirometry in local chest clinic. However, everyone attending had the spirometry performed. Spirometry was performed according to ATS recommendations. Airway obstruction (AO) was diagnosed when FEV1/FVC < 85% of N and categorised as mild (FEV1 > 70% of N), moderate (FEV1 50-69% of N) or severe (FEV1 < 50% of N). Spirometry was accompanied by an antismoking advice. RESULTS: 12.781 subjects were screened (mean age 52 +/- 12 years, 57% males). In 8.269 subjects who complied with inclusion criteria AO was diagnosed in 29.8% (mild in 10.9%, moderate in 12% and severe in 6.9%). In smokers < 40 years of age and a history of < 10 packyears AO was found in 8.8% (mild in 6.0%, moderate in 1.8% and severe in 1.0%). CONCLUSION: Mass spirometry is an effective and easy method for early detection of COPD.
Subject(s)
Lung Diseases, Obstructive/diagnosis , Mass Screening/methods , Spirometry , Adolescent , Adult , Age Distribution , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Airway Obstruction/diagnosis , Airway Obstruction/epidemiology , Child , Child, Preschool , Chronic Disease , Comorbidity , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Lung Diseases, Obstructive/epidemiology , Middle Aged , Poland/epidemiology , Smoking/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Frequency of positive skin in adults with asthma is poorly understood. 153 persons aged over 30 years were selected out of 575 patients suspected of asthma (26.6%). Positive skin reactions among adults, were confirmed in 64.1% of the examined patients. Positive skin reactions were analysed according to age and sex. Opinion about low frequency of allergy and asthma in elderly should be verified.
