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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
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Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
Early detection of COPD in general practice.
Charlotte Suppli Ulrik1, Anders Løkke, Ronald Dahl
1Department of Heart and Lung Diseases, Hvidovre University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark. csulrik@dadlnet.dk
Summary
Spirometry screening in adults with exposure and respiratory symptoms can detect over one-third with airway obstruction, aiding early Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) detection. This approach is feasible for identifying mild to moderate COPD cases.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Early detection of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is crucial for timely interventions.
- Danish guidelines recommend spirometry for individuals over 35 with exposure and respiratory symptoms.
- This study aimed to assess the feasibility and impact of spirometry in this high-risk population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of implementing spirometry screening for early COPD detection.
- To determine the prevalence of airway obstruction in a target population.
- To provide evidence supporting guideline recommendations for COPD screening.
Main Methods:
- 335 general practitioners recruited 3,095 adults (>35 years) with occupational/tobacco exposure and respiratory symptoms.
- Data collected included demographics, smoking history, BMI, MRC dyspnea score, and pre-bronchodilator spirometry (FEV1, FEV1% predicted, FEV1/FVC).
- Subjects had no prior diagnosis of obstructive lung disease.
Main Results:
- 34.8% of participants had an FEV1/FVC ratio ≤ 0.7, indicating airway obstruction.
- Airway obstruction prevalence increased with age and was higher in men and current smokers.
- Among those with obstruction, 79% had mild to moderate COPD.
Conclusions:
- Over one-third of the screened population exhibited airway obstruction.
- Offering spirometry to adults with relevant exposure and symptoms is a feasible strategy for early COPD detection.
- This screening approach can identify individuals with mild to moderate COPD, enabling earlier management.
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