Archivos de bronconeumología
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Arch. Bronconeumol. · Apr 2004
[Spirometry is a good method for detecting and monitoring chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in high-risk smokers in primary health care].
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease, the early diagnosis of which allows effective management and treatment. The aim of the present study is to show the effectiveness of a screening and monitoring plan for COPD in high-risk patients in primary health care. ⋯ Many smokers managed to give up smoking after learning their spirometric results. FEV1 can identify smokers at greatest risk of developing COPD. Spirometric screening and monitoring of smokers at high risk in primary health care can identify those most susceptible to developing COPD while the disease is in an early phase. Therefore the most appropriate strategy can be adopted for each patient.