Reference values of spirometry for Finnish adults.

Background: Diagnostic assessment of lung function necessitates up-to-date reference values. The aim of this study was to estimate reference values for spirometry for the Finnish population between 18 and 80 years and to compare them with the existing Finnish, European and the recently published global GLI2012 reference values.

Methods: Spirometry was performed for 1380 adults in the population-based FinEsS studies and for 662 healthy non-smoking volunteer adults.

Bronchial hyperresponsiveness in a population of north Finland with no previous diagnosis of asthma or chronic bronchitis assessed with histamine and methacholine tests.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in a population of north Finland among subjects with no previous diagnosis of asthma or chronic bronchitis by using histamine and methacholine challenges. The agreement between the methods was also evaluated.

Study Design: An epidemiological study assessing the prevalence of BHR measured with 2 direct dosimetric challenge methods.

Impacts of cold climate on human heat balance, performance and health in circumpolar areas.

In circumpolar areas the climate remains cool or thermoneutral during the majority of the days of the year spite of global warming. Therefore, health consequences related to cold exposure represent also in the future the majority of climate-related adverse health effects. Hot summers may be an exception.

Spirometry values in adults in northern Finland.

Objectives: If reference values do not accurately reflect the distribution of lung function in the population, the interpretation of spirometry results may be incorrect. Differences in lung function exist between populations, which supports the use of local reference values. In Finland, the national reference values for spirometry are currently in use.