The best results were used for the study. The patients who complained of expectoration for three months for two continuous years and had obstructive pattern of lung function were diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. Half the COPD patients never visited a doctor for this specific problem and were diagnosed for the first time. One out of three examined people had abnormal lung function. Consequently, more than one out of ten people older than 55 years have chronic bronchitis.
Industrial exposure seems to double the risk for chronic bronchitis.
41222 Larissa, Greece.