ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reached conflicting conclusions about the role of atopy as a risk factor for COPD. In part, this is attributable to variation in the definitions of airflow limitation and the treatment of people with asthma. OBJECTIVE: To establish whether there is any independent association between atopy and post-bronchodilator airflow limitation in the general population aged 40 years and over. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a general population sample of 2415 people aged 40 years and over in Australia. A history of ever being diagnosed with asthma was elicited by questionnaire. Atopy was defined as any skin prick test weal to common aeroallergens ≥4 mm. Airflow limitation was defined as post-bronchodilator spirometric (FEV1 /FVC) ratio Subject(s)
Hypersensitivity, Immediate/epidemiology
, Hypersensitivity, Immediate/etiology
, Public Health Surveillance
, Adult
, Aged
, Female
, Humans
, Hypersensitivity, Immediate/diagnosis
, Immunization
, Male
, Middle Aged
, Prevalence
, Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/complications
, Respiratory Function Tests
, Risk Factors
, Socioeconomic Factors
, Spirometry
, Surveys and Questionnaires
