Obstructive and restrictive lung disease and functional limitation: data from the Third National Health and Nutrition
D M Mannino1, E S Ford, S C Redd
1Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Branch, Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. dmannino@cdc.gov
Objective:
To determine functional limitations in adults with obstructive or restrictive lung disease or respiratory symptoms.
Design:
Cross-sectional study.
Subjects:
Adult participants in phase 2 of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1991-94.
Methods:
We classified subjects using spirometric criteria into the following mutually exclusive categories using the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), the forced vital capacity (FVC), the FEV1/FVC ratio and the presence of respiratory symptoms: severe obstruction, moderate obstruction, mild obstruction, respiratory symptoms only, restrictive lung disease and no lung disease. We developed regression models to predict functional limitations (unable to walk a quarter of a mile, unable to lift 10 pounds, needs help with daily activities) that controlled for age, race, sex, education, smoking status, body mass index and comorbid conditions.
Results:
Severe and moderate obstruction were associated with an increased risk of being unable to walk a quarter of a mile [odds ratio (OR) 8.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.6, 19.9 and OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4, 4.0]. Restrictive lung disease and the presence of respiratory symptoms in the absence of lung function impairment were also associated with an increased risk of this outcome (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.4, 5.6 and OR 2.8, 95% CI 2.0, 3.9). Similar results were obtained for the outcomes of being unable to lift 10 pounds or needing help with daily activities.
Conclusions:
The presence of obstructive or restrictive lung disease, or respiratory symptoms in the absence of lung function impairment is associated with increased functional impairment.
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