Prevalence of smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among patients at the Akureyri Primary Care Center

Introduction: Even though smoking has decreased significantly over the last few years, the majority of Icelanders 40 years of age or older have a history of smoking. Limited information is available on respiratory symptoms and diagnosis of chronic obstructive lung diseases (COPD) in this group. Material and methods: During a four week period at the Akureyri Primary Care Center all individuals above the age of 40 were given a questionnaire on smoking, respiratory symptoms and medical treatment. There were a total of 416 individuals and the response rate was 63%. Spirometry was done on those who had smoked. Results: Of the 259 responders, 150 (57,9%) had a history of smoking. In this group 117 (45,2%) had quit but 33 (12,7%) were still smoking. Of those that had a history of smoking 16% had COPD according to spirometry results and 2/3 did not have a previous diagnosis. Respiratory symptoms were more common with increasing obstruction. Of the smokers 26% had never been advised by a physician to stop smoking. A total of 14,3% of the whole group had a previous diagnosis of emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or chronic bronchitis. Altogether 23,5% had previously been diagnosed with asthma, asthmatic bronchitis or allergic bronchitis. Conclusion: A history of smoking was common among the primary care patients. One in six who had a smoking history were found to have COPD and the majority were unaware of the diagnosis. Respiratory diagnoses were common. By spirometric evaluation many smokers are diagnosed with previously unknown COPD.