The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Maastricht, the Netherlands

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an increasing public health problem worldwide. Although epidemiologic data on COPD are important to raise awareness of the burden of disease, there are no actual spirometry-based data on the prevalence of COPD in the Netherlands. METHODS: Using the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) protocol and study design, a population-based sample of adults, aged >/=40 years, in the area of Maastricht, the Netherlands was surveyed. Post-bronchodilator spirometry and questionnaires with information on smoking history and reported respirat... Mehr ...