Undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients admitted to an acute assessment unit.

: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is very prevalent worldwide, yet underdiagnosed. : This study investigates feasibility of performing spirometry in patients in need of acute hospital admission as well as the prevalence of undiagnosed COPD in the same cohort. : During a two-week period, all patients admitted to three large acute assessment units were evaluated.