Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Function Depend on Smoking Status and Enviromental Conditions

Background and Aim: The prevalence of pulmonary symptoms and obstructive lung function results is dependent on life style (i.e. smoking) and may be dependent on climatic conditions and pollutant emission. Methods: The LuFuMobile is a mobile lung function laboratory. From 2011 until 2016, outside measurements were performed at 242 locations throughout Germany. The protocol included a standardized questionnaire and a spirometry (Geraterm, Germany Meteorological and pollutant emission data was obtained /Federal environmental agency, Germany). The primary aim was to determine the prevalence of obstructive pulmonary function tests (Quanjer 2012: FEV1 > LLN oder FEV1/FVC Results: Of 18,889 adults (age (mean) 62.4 yrs, 53.7% female), individuals reporting no history of lung disease (n=16.379, 86.7%) showed obstructive pulmonary function pattern in approx. 15%. Pulmonary symptoms were present more frequently (i.e. wheezing 18.9%, morning sputum 26.9%). Obstruction rates increased with symptom burden, cumulative smoking, and environmental conditions (p Conclusion: In a large western European cohort, at least one out of ten young, middle age, or geriatric individual with an empty history of lung disease display an obstructive pulmonary function test according to the new international standard lung function reference values. While causal relationships between weather conditions, pollutant emission (SO2, NO2, PM10, ozone) and lung function are uncertain even analyzing large cohorts, a very resilient dependency on smoking and lung function impairment could be shown.