Volume 18 Issue 3 September 2009
Spirometry in primary care case-identification, diagnosis and
management of COPD
Pages 216-223
*David Pricea, Alan Crockettb, Mats Arnec, Bernard Garbed, Rupert CM Jonese, Alan Kaplanf, Arnulf Langhammerg, Siân Williamsh, Barbara P Yawni
a
Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
b
Primary Care Respiratory Research Unit, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
c
Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
d
Vitalograph, Buckingham, UK
e
PMS, RRU, Plymouth, UK
f
Family Physician Airways Group of Canada, Ontario, Canada
g
HUNT Research Centre, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Verdal, Norway
h
IPCRG, General Practice, Foresterhill Health Centre Westburn Road, Aberdeen, UK
i
Department of Family and Community Health, University of Minnesota, USA
Received 21 May 2008 • Accepted 30 July 2009 • Online 18 August 2009
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet it remains significantly
under-diagnosed. Systematic and opportunistic case-identification efforts in primary care, using questionnaires, careful assessment to
identify symptoms, and follow-up spirometry, might improve diagnosis rates and enable earlier detection and management of COPD.
The aims of spirometry performed for case-identification purposes are to exclude those patients with symptoms but normal lung function
and identify those who require more complete investigation for COPD, including ‘diagnostic standard’ spirometry. Among patients with
a confirmed diagnosis of COPD, spirometry monitoring is useful in identifying those with rapid deterioration in lung function who require
further assessment. Spirometry in primary care can also support patient education and may encourage smoking cessation and treatment
adherence.
Cite as: Price D, Crockett A, Arne M, Garbe B, Jones RCM, Kaplan A, Langhammer A, Williams S, Yawn BP. Spirometry in primary care case-identification, diagnosis and
management of COPD. Prim Care Respir J 2009;18(3):216-223. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4104/pcrj.2009.00055
Keywords
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, spirometry, case-identification, primary care, diagnosis
* Corresponding author. David Price Tel: +44 1224 554588 Fax: +44 1224 550683 Email: david@respiratoryresearch.org | |
