Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
07:10
Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
Developing COPD: a 25 year follow up study of the general population
A Løkke1, P Lange, H Scharling
1Department of Cardiology and Respiratory Medicine, 253 Hvidovre Hospital, Kettegård Alle 30, DK-2650 Hvidovre, Denmark.
Thorax
|October 31, 2006
Summary
Continuous smoking significantly increases the 25-year risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to at least 25%. Early smoking cessation substantially reduces this risk in both men and women.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Previous studies on smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk were limited to 10 years.
- Long-term absolute risk of COPD development in smokers versus non-smokers remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the 25-year absolute risk of developing COPD in men and women.
- To assess the impact of smoking on long-term COPD incidence.
Main Methods:
- A 25-year prospective follow-up of 8045 adults aged 30-60 with normal baseline lung function.
- Regular lung function measurements and analysis of COPD-related mortality.
Main Results:
- The 25-year incidence of moderate and severe COPD was 20.7% and 3.6%, respectively.
- Continuous smokers had a significantly higher risk compared to never smokers.
- Smoking cessation, particularly early cessation, markedly reduced COPD risk.
Conclusions:
- The absolute risk of developing COPD for continuous smokers over 25 years is at least 25%.
- This long-term risk is higher than previously estimated.
- Smoking cessation is a critical factor in mitigating COPD development.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
Medical History
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
Chronic obstructive pulmonary isease (COPD) involves a group of progressive lung disorders characterized by persistent airflow limitation and chronic respiratory symptoms. Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS), encompassing features of both asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a group of progressive lung disorders that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. ACOS leads to complex clinical presentations that combine the inflammatory...