Predictors of New Airway Obstruction - An 11 Year's Population-Based Follow-Up Study

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Airway obstruction is a significant respiratory condition with varying prevalence.
• Understanding its incidence and risk factors in a general population is crucial for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the 11-year incidence and identify predictors of spirometry-defined airway obstruction.
• To evaluate the role of lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and biomarkers in the development of airway obstruction.

Main Methods:

• A population-based cohort of 3,863 adults (≥30 years) with normal baseline spirometry was followed for 11 years.
• Risk factors including smoking, education, diet (Alternate Healthy Eating Index), BMI, CRP, and comorbidities were assessed.
• Airway obstruction was defined by spirometry (FEV1/FVC below the lower limit of normal).

Main Results:

• The cumulative 11-year incidence of airway obstruction was 3.2% (incidence rate: 5.6 per 1,000 person-years).
• Higher incidence rates were observed in men compared to women.
• Strongest predictors included current smoking (OR 2.5) and physician-diagnosed asthma (OR 2.1); elevated sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP) increased risk, while a high Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) reduced risk.

Conclusions:

• Current smoking and pre-existing asthma are significant risk factors for developing airway obstruction.
• A healthy diet, as indicated by the AHEI, may have a protective effect against airway obstruction.
• These findings contribute to understanding the population burden and modifiable risk factors for airway obstruction.