Die prävalenz der chronisch obstruktiven lungenerkrankung (COPD) in Deutschland: Ergebnisse der BOLD-Studie

Translated title of the contribution: The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Germany: Results of the BOLD Study

Henning Geldmacher, H. Biller, A. Herbst, K. Urbanski, M. Allison, A. S. Buist, J. M. Hohlfeld, T. Welte

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

91 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background and objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common causes of chronic morbidity and mortality. The "Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease" (BOLD) initiative was established as an international study collecting data about the prevalence of COPD. The Medical University of Hanover took part in this study collecting data representative for Germany. Methods: 683 individuals aged = 40 years from the city and region of Hannover were included in the study. On the basis of standardized questionnaires data were collected on general health, physical and mental capability, smoking habits and occupational exposure to dust. All participants performed spirometry before and after inhalation of salbutamol. Results: The prevalence of COPD, GOLD (Global Health Initiative on Obstructive Lung Disease) severity stage = 1, was 13.2% (GOLD stage I: 7.4%; GOLD stage II: 5.0%, GOLD stage III or IV: 0.8%). There was a marked increase of the prevalence of COPD depending on age and smoking habits. The percentage of active smokers in the sample was 20.6 %. Among younger participants the percentage of female smokers was noticeable higher than in older subjects. Although clinical symptoms of COPD, GOLD stage = III correlated with disease severity, only persons with COPD reported reduced physical capability. Conclusion: COPD is a highly prevalent disease. With regard to the increasing life expectancy and the change of smoking habits of the population, a further increase of morbidity and mortality due to COPD must be expected, especially in women.

Translated title of the contributionThe prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Germany: Results of the BOLD Study
Original languageGerman
Pages (from-to)2609-2614
Number of pages6
JournalDeutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift
Volume133
Issue number50
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 12 2008

Keywords

  • Burden of obstructive lung disease (BOLD) study
  • COPD prevalence
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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