Prevalence of obstructive respiratory disorders in the rural population of the Lublin region.

The subject of the study was to analyze spirometric data provided by comprehensive research programme of Institute of Agricultural Medicine in Lublin. Field research was conducted in the years 1999--2001 to evaluate the prevalence of selected respiratory system diseases. The basic measurements were forced expiration maneuver performed and interpreted on the strength of ATS recommendations, physical examination and medical history (especially lower respiratory airways obstruction symptoms). The two-stage random sample of population of 4 eastern part of Lublin region communes was the studied material (660 people). The aim was to evaluate the incidence of airways obstruction and then chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Next, we wanted to asses--the main clinical symptoms of disease and what percentage of disease cases are diagnosed/treated by the health care system. Based on our results the incidence of airways obstruction in the population examined is excessive (11%), typical of populations exposed to respiratory risk factors. There were no clinical manifestations in the 50% of cases with spirometric diagnosed obstruction and incidence of severe, symptomatic forms of obstructive diseases was low. 75% of obstructive patients have never been diagnosed by health care system and a very low percent has been properly treated with personal drug inhalers. Our study confirms that chronic obstructive lung disease is an essential problem also in the Polish rural population. Patients belittle early symptoms of COPD and health care system is insufficient in detection and treatment of this disease.