Pulmonary Function Changes in 10 Pack Year Smokers With Chronic Bronchitis

The incident of COPD is dramatically increasing while other chronic disease states are decreasing in the US population. Smoking cigarettes is the leading risk factor for COPD. Smokers with chronic bronchitis may show early or late changes of COPD on pulmonary function tests. It is imperative that we define this patient population to determine whether early intervention will alter pulmonary function over the years.

Inclusion criteria

• Subjects must sign a written informed consent.
• Enrollment population would include males and females 40 years of age to 80 years of age.
• Current history or past history of smoking at least 10 pack years of cigarettes.
• Patients to satisfy the diagnosis of chronic bronchitis.
• Non-smokers will be allowed in the control group

Exclusion criteria

• Chronic infections such as TB or other infections of the lungs.
• Collagen diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus which affect the lungs.
• Any previous lung diseases such as pneumoconiosis.
• Previous accidents or surgery which would involve the lungs or the ribcage.
• Maintenance medications used for asthma or COPD such as long acting bronchodilators or inhaled corticosteroids.
• Asthma patients or other patients with allergies that may affect pulmonary function test will be excluded.
• Any medical condition in the opinion of the investigator that would make the subject unsuitable for enrollment.
• Pregnant woman will not be allowed
• Current participation in a research study or within the last 30 days.