COPD Underdiagnosed And Undertreated In Smokers

Main Category: COPD
Also Included In: Smoking / Quit Smoking;  Lung Cancer
Article Date: 29 Oct 2006 - 13:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

A new study suggests clinicians should be more aware of possible COPD in patients at risk for lung cancer. Researchers from the University of Alabama obtained the demographic, medical, and spirometric information of 449 subjects who smoked and were enrolled in the National Lung Screening Trial. Subjects were classified into Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stages, and those who had a diagnosis of COPD and were treated. In all, 53 percent had airway obstruction, and 36 percent had at least GOLD stage II. Of the 34 percent of subjects who carried a diagnosis of COPD, only 18 percent were treated. Researchers concluded that, based on traditional teachings, significant airflow obstructions occurred more frequently than expected.

###

CHEST 2006 abstract briefs

Contact: Jennifer Stawarz
American College of Chest Physicians

• Additional
• References
• Citations