Detection of Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease

Abstract

The value of a standard medical history and physical examination in the diagnosis of chronic obstructive lung disease was tested. Nine hundred and ninety-three male patients 40 years old and older were studied at the Mayo Clinic by the use of ventilatory tests and a retrospective review of the medical record for pulmonary symptoms and physical signs. Nearly 20% had abnormal results on at least one test, and about 28% were classified as clinically abnormal according to specified criteria. Ventilatory test results were abnormal in 10% of 714 patients in whom no symptoms, signs, or past history of pulmonary disease was noted. This represents the detection rate for ventilatory abnormality by the use of routine spirometry. Severe degrees of impairment of ventilation may be undetected by the history and physical examination.