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Risk factors associated with chronic obstructive lung disease
1National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) is more prevalent in men, white individuals, older populations, and those with lower socioeconomic status. Smoking is the primary cause, significantly increasing COLD mortality and morbidity.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) encompasses emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and chronic airways obstruction, excluding asthma.
- COLD affects men more than women, white populations more than black populations, and incidence rises with age and decreases in socioeconomic status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the epidemiology and risk factors associated with Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COLD).
- To highlight the significant impact of cigarette smoking on COLD mortality and morbidity.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological and clinical studies on COLD.
- Analysis of mortality and morbidity data related to demographic factors and smoking habits.
Main Results:
- COLD mortality and morbidity rates are higher in men, white individuals, older age groups, and those with lower socioeconomic status.
- Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor, accounting for approximately 80% of COLD deaths in the US, with risk increasing with quantity and duration of use.
- Factors such as alpha 1-antiprotease deficiency, respiratory infections, occupational exposures, and air pollution are associated with increased COLD risk.
Conclusions:
- Susceptible individuals can mitigate COLD risk by ceasing smoking.
- Ongoing clinical trials are investigating the efficacy of bronchodilators in slowing pulmonary function decline.