Using targeted spirometry to reduce non-diagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is increasing worldwide and thus its associated morbidity and mortality. However, COPD often goes undiagnosed.

Objectives: We evaluated the rate of non-diagnosed irreversible airway obstruction (AO) and characterized this patient group.

[The prevalence of COPD in Austria--the expected change over the next decade].

Background: In 2020 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will be the third leading cause of death world-wide causing considerable health costs. Epidemiological data to estimate the future development of COPD in Austria were not available so far.

Methods: In the context of the international Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study, a random sample of the population of Salzburg was surveyed to determine the prevalence of COPD.