An Anglo-American Comparison of the Prevalence of Bronchitis

Abstract

The reported British excess in bronchitic morbidity has been studied by comparing the results of-field surveys carried out in various parts of this country and in one town in the United States. In both, similar respiratory-symptom questionaries and a simple lung-function test (the Wright peak-flow meter) were used. The prevalence of “ simple bronchitis ”—that is, chronic phlegm-production—differs little between the American towns and the rural and urban areas of Britain; and its relation to cigarette smoking in particular is obvious in the results from both countries. On the other hand, “ complex bronchitis ” with repeated chest illnesses and breathlessness is more common among older men in this country. After differences in age distribution and smoking habits have been taken into account, this form of bronchitis appears to be about equally common in the American town and in the rural areas of Britain. It is much more common, however, in the British towns and cities, especially among men. The results of the lung-function test are consistent with this suggestion of a higher prevalence of a more severe form of bronchitis among older males living in British urban conditions. The causes of this excess are still uncertain. © 1964, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.