Early detection of COPD: a case finding study in general practice.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a population of general practice patients at risk for developing COPD. A further aim was to evaluate the presence of respiratory symptoms as a predictor for the diagnosis of COPD.

Methods: This study was conducted by eight general practitioners (GP) in six semi-rural general practices.