No increase in the prevalence of COPD in two decades

This study examined changes in the prevalence and potential determinants of COPD over a 20-year period (from 1978–1980 to 2000–2001) using data from two population-based surveys conducted in Finland. Spirometry data were available for 6364 participants aged 30–74 years in the first dataset and for 5495 participants in the second dataset. In both surveys, lung function testing was performed using a Vitalograph wedge bellows spirometer.