Characterisation of a population at increased risk of COPD

Smoking is the main risk factor for COPD, and it is estimated that 15-20% of smokers will develop the pathology. Characterising this risk population is an important step in improved diagnosis of COPD, an increasing primary care challenge.

To determine the percentage of smokers identified in patients aged 45-65 years old in a health centre, and their characterisation; to determine possible relationships between respiratory symptoms and abnormal obstruction of the small airways and the other variables studied.

Observational, analytical, cross-sectional study carried out in a Portuguese health centre.

smokers aged 45-65 years old who filled in a questionnaire and underwent spirometry. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS v.13.0 (level of significance 0.05).

The sample was composed of 157 participants (31% men and 69% womens); average age 53.85 years; average age at start of smoking 16.64 years; average tobacco consumption 37.78 pack-years. Respiratory symptoms were present in 68.8% of the individuals, and were more frequent in men, those who started smoking earlier and those with higher tobacco consumption (p<0.05). Thirty percent had abnormal obstruction of the small airways, with this more frequent in older smokers and those with heavier tobacco consumption (p<0.05).

The underdiagnosis of smoking raises awareness of the importance of identifying this risk population and the need to implement preventative measures. These, in tandem with a better characterisation of this population, may contribute to the improved diagnosis and management of COPD.