Risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Receipt of a Breathing Test in 26 States and the District of Columbia, 2017-2018

Prev Chronic Dis. 2024 May 9:21:E31. doi: 10.5888/pcd21.230399.

Abstract

We estimated the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk level, and receipt of a breathing test among adults without reported COPD in 26 states and the District of Columbia by using 2017-2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. Among adults without reported COPD, the 3 respiratory symptoms indicating COPD (chronic cough, phlegm or mucus production, shortness of breath) were common (each >10%). About 15.0% were at higher COPD risk (based on the number of symptoms, age, and smoking status); 41.4% of adults at higher risk reported receipt of a breathing test. Patient-provider recognition and communication of risk symptoms, appropriate screening, and follow-up are important for early diagnosis and treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System*
  • District of Columbia / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive* / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive* / epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Young Adult