Prevalence of abnormal lung function and age-dependent risk factors in the general population

Abnormal lung function (abLF) at any age is a predictor of premature death. We aimed to determine the prevalence of abLF in different age groups (from infancy to elderly) and to investigate in the general population if associated risk factors (RFs) differ by age. Data was obtained from the LEAD Study, an observational, population-based cohort study. From 2012-2016 a random sample (stratified by age and gender) of 11.423 male and female, aged 6-80 years has been included. AbLF was defined as FEV1 The prevalence of abLF was 7.3% in male vs 6.0% in female in the youngest age group (6-15 yrs) and 9.9% in male vs 7.0% in female in the oldest one (60+ years), being always higher in males in all age groups. RFs associated with abLF varied across age groups (Table 1), except for doctor’s diagnosed asthma and low fat free mass index which were significant associated to abLF in all age groups. AbLF is substantially prevalent from childhood to older age and associated RFs vary with age. Therefore, abLF should be diagnosed as early as possible and appropriate actions should be implemented for modifiable RFs.