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Bronchial responsiveness in a Norwegian community.
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|February 1, 1991
Summary
This study found that male smokers exhibit significantly higher bronchial responsiveness to methacholine. Bronchial responsiveness also decreases with age and is more common in rural populations.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Respiratory Health
Background:
- Bronchial responsiveness is a key indicator of airway hyperresponsiveness.
- Understanding population-level predictors of bronchial responsiveness is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate predictors of bronchial responsiveness in a general Norwegian population.
- To examine the relationship between bronchial responsiveness and factors like sex, age, smoking, lung function, and environment.
Main Methods:
- A general population sample of 490 individuals aged 18-73 years was studied.
- Methacholine challenge tests were used to assess bronchial responsiveness (PC20).
- Statistical analysis adjusted for age, sex, smoking status, and FEV1.
Main Results:
- 20% had PC20 ≤ 32 mg/ml and 6% had PC20 ≤ 8 mg/ml.
- Male smokers showed significantly higher bronchial responsiveness (OR 8.4) compared to female smokers, after adjusting for age and FEV1.
- Bronchial responsiveness decreased with age (OR 2.0 per decade) and was predicted by FEV1 and %FEV1.
- Higher prevalence of bronchial responsiveness (PC20 ≤ 8 mg/ml) was observed in rural residents (OR 2.5).
Conclusions:
- Sex, age, smoking, lung function (FEV1), and area of residence are significant predictors of bronchial responsiveness.
- Findings highlight the complex interplay of factors influencing airway hyperresponsiveness in the general population.