Overdiagnosis of COPD in Subjects With Unobstructed Spirometry: A BOLD Analysis.

Background: There are several reports on underdiagnosis of COPD, while little is known about COPD overdiagnosis and overtreatment. We describe the overdiagnosis and the prevalence of spirometrically defined false positive COPD, as well as their relationship with overtreatment across 23 population samples in 20 countries participating in the BOLD Study between 2003 and 2012.

Methods: A false positive diagnosis of COPD was considered when participants reported a doctor's diagnosis of COPD, but postbronchodilator spirometry was unobstructed (FEV/FVC > LLN).

Development and validation of the Salzburg COPD-screening questionnaire (SCSQ): a questionnaire development and validation study.

Unlabelled: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease prevalence rates are still high. However, the majority of subjects are not diagnosed. Strategies have to be implemented to overcome the problem of under-diagnosis.