Table 5.
Key indicators for considering a COPD diagnosis: Continuing to Confront COPD International Survey, 2012–2013
| Key indicator | PCP (n=971) % |
RS (n=336) % |
P-value* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chronic symptoms of airflow obstruction (ie, wheezing, dyspnea) | 47 | 56 | 0.011 |
| Chronic cough with phlegm/sputum | 39 | 44 | 0.050 |
| History of cigarette smoking/exposure to passive smoking | 73 | 79 | 0.031 |
| Occupational exposure to smoke, fumes, or dust | 20 | 16 | 0.064 |
| Family history of emphysema/bronchitis/COPD | 14 | 13 | 0.778 |
Notes:
*
P-value comparing PCP to RS, adjusted for country and awareness of GOLD global strategy. Percentages within a physician type will sum to greater than 100%; results from an open-ended question asking physicians to provide the top three most important factors in a patient’s history when establishing a COPD diagnosis; no predefined list provided.
Abbreviations: COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; PCP, primary care physician; RS, respiratory specialist; GOLD, Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease.