Atopy in people aged 40 years and over: Relation to airflow limitation

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have reached conflicting conclusions about the role of atopy as a risk factor for COPD. In part, this is attributable to variation in the definitions of airflow limitation and the treatment of people with asthma. Objective: To establish whether there is any independent association between atopy and post-bronchodilator airflow limitation in the general population aged 40 years and over. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a general population sample of 2415 people aged 40 years and over in Australia. A history of ever being diagnosed with asthma was elicited by questionnaire. Atopy was defined as any skin prick test weal to common aeroallergens ≥4 mm. Airflow limitation was defined as post-bronchodilator spirometric (FEV1/FVC) ratio