Chest
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Observational Study
Will nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis develop chronic airway obstruction?: A prospective, observational study.
The long-term prognosis of nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis (NAEB) is still unclear. The aim of this study was to observe the frequency of relapse among patients with NAEB and the likelihood of NAEB developing into chronic airflow obstruction over time. ⋯ More than 50% of patients with NAEB have repeated episodes associated with persistent sputum eosinophilia after treatment and allergic rhinitis. In the current cohort, chronic airway obstruction does not develop despite small airway dysfunction increases over time.
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COPD ranks within the top three causes of mortality in the global burden of disease, yet it remains largely underdiagnosed. We assessed the underdiagnosis of COPD and its determinants in national and international surveys of general populations. ⋯ Even with substantial heterogeneity in COPD prevalence, COPD underdiagnosis is universally high. Because effective management strategies are available for COPD, spirometry can help in the diagnosis of COPD at a stage when treatment will lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
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In COPD, a decreased inspiratory capacity to total lung capacity ratio (IC/TLC) is associated with dynamic hyperinflation and poor exercise capacity. The association with upper-extremity force measured by handgrip strength (HGS) and 6-min walk distance (6MWD) has not been previously described. We hypothesized that IC/TLC affects muscle strength in the upper and lower extremities, affecting HGS and 6MWD. ⋯ HGS and 6MWD are reduced in patients with COPD, particularly in those with hyperinflation and evidence of longitudinal deterioration not seen in control subjects. This finding suggests that resting hyperinflation may exert a detrimental effect on cardiac function and plays a role in reduced exercise performance in patients with COPD.