Chronic bronchitis in Icelandic males: prevalence, sleep disturbances and quality of life

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Abstract
To study the prevalence of chronic bronchitis in Iceland and some aspects of quality of life among those suffering from chronic bronchitis. Postal questionnaires. SETTING, SUBJECTS: All Icelandic males born in the years 1913 and 1943 who were alive on 1 November 1993. Altogether 1175 (69.7%) responded. Physical symptoms of chronic bronchitis, stress symptoms, symptoms of dyspnea and sleep disturbances. 7.1% of those 50 years old and 16.7% of those 80 years old and a history of daily sputum expectoration for at least 3 months during the preceding 2 years. These individuals with chronic bronchitis had a higher prevalence of other respiratory symptoms than did the others, such as "wheezing or whistling" (59.6% vs. 7.2%), and "awakened by breathlessness" (35.2% vs. 6.0%). Complaints of dyspnea were more common among those with symptoms of chronic bronchitis, e.g. "dyspnea when walking" (19.4% vs. 1.4%) and "stops walking because of dyspnea" (22% vs. 1.6%). They also complained more often of insomnia and daytime sleepiness and found themselves more stressed than those without chronic bronchitis. These symptoms were all more common among the 80-year-old men. Our study indicates that chronic bronchitis is a frequent illness among Icelandic males. Men with chronic bronchitis often have decreased quality of life, difficulties in moving and frequently sleep complaints.