[Respiratory symptoms and lung function in a geriatric population of a Galician rural community: a pilot study].
BACKGROUND
Respiratory diseases are a frequent cause of health demands and have a large impact on morbidity and mortality of the Galician population, especially among the older one. Recent work shows that the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases is not optimal. This increases the utilisation of health care resources.


METHODS
We studied 28 patients of the municipality of Val del Dubra (Northwest Spain) aged between 65 and 74 years. We performed a spirometric exploration and carried out a questionnaire interview on respiratory symptoms, life style, and occupational and health-related antecedents.


RESULTS
Among men, 54% of were or are smokers. None of the women ever smoked. Respiratory symptoms were more frequent among women than among men (80% versus 54%). In the spirometric study, the largest volumes and flux are observed among non-smoking males who do not report dyspnea.


CONCLUSIONS
Respiratory symptoms are frequent in the rural population aged between 65 and 74 years. Tobacco consumption is similar to other Spanish communities, but different from that seen in other countries. Male gender, non-smoking status and absence of respiratory symptoms are associated with higher spirometric figures.
González Barcala
F J
FJ
Servicios de Neumología, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela. fjgbarcala@telefonica.net
Takkouche
B
B
Montes Martínez
A
A
Zamarrón Sanz
C
C
Salgueiro Rodríguez
M
M
Rodríguez Suárez
J R
JR
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013030:Spain; D013147:Spirometry; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires