Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
04:03
Author Spotlight: Evaluating the Therapeutic Efficacy of Moving Cupping Along Meridians for Acute Exacerbation of COPD
Published on: September 27, 2024
1.7K
COPD prevalence in a north-eastern Italian general population
Massimo Guerriero1, Marco Caminati2, Giovanni Viegi3
1Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy.
Respiratory Medicine
|June 9, 2015
Summary
Estimating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) prevalence in Northern Italy revealed significant under-diagnosis. Spirometry underuse is a key factor, impacting quality of life and economic burden.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) prevalence estimates vary due to differing methodologies.
- This study assessed COPD prevalence and clinical features in a Northern Italy general population sample.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate COPD prevalence using GOLD and ERS/ATS criteria in Northern Italy.
- To identify clinical features and diagnostic patterns of COPD in the region.
Main Methods:
- A randomized cross-sectional study involving 1236 participants.
- Data collection included questionnaires on respiratory symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, exposures, and spirometry.
- Physician assessment was also conducted.
Main Results:
- Daily respiratory symptoms affected 26.7% of participants; only 30.7% had prior spirometry.
- COPD prevalence: 11.7% (GOLD), 9.1% (LLN), 6.8% (self-reported diagnosis).
- Notably, 48.8% of those with a COPD diagnosis had never undergone spirometry.
Conclusions:
- Spirometry underuse contributes to COPD under-diagnosis and misdiagnosis.
- This leads to a significant impact on patient quality of life and economic burden.
- Accurate COPD diagnosis requires standardized criteria and widespread spirometry use.
Related Concept Videos
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
2.2K
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...
2.2K
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
4.2K
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.
4.2K
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
3.3K
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...
3.3K
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
1.2K
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...
1.2K
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
3.4K
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
3.4K
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
5.2K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
5.2K