Respiratory Symptoms, Lung Function, and Smoking Habits in an Adult Population

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Abstract
In the initial phase of a comprehensive prospective epidemiologic investigation of a natural community, 8641 residents of Tecumseh, Michigan were examined. Questions about respiratory symptoms and smoking habits were asked of the 5140 adults and a test of ventilatory function was included in the clinic procedures. Cough was reported by 29% of the men and 14% or the women, and phlegm by 36% of the men and 21% of the women. Shortness of breath was noted by 22% of the men and 30% of the women; the percentage affected was higher at older ages and in the presence of cough and phlegm. Mean values of forced expiratory volume (F.E.V.1.0) decreased with age in both sexes and were higher in men. Persons with symptoms had lower mean values of F.E.V.1.0 than persons without. Cigarette smokers reported more cough and phlegm and more shortness of breath than non smokers and their ventilatory function was slightly but significantly impaired.