TY - JOUR T1 - High prevalence of obstructive pulmonary function tests in young adults in Germany JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 44 IS - Suppl 58 SP - P3651 AU - Rainer Wiewrodt AU - Bianca Hoepfner AU - Lars Henning Schmidt AU - Karlheinz Blackert AU - Felix Herth Y1 - 2014/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P3651.abstract N2 - Background:Current studies showed a high prevalence of COPD in Germany in people over 40 years. In contrast, the prevalence of obstructive pulmonary diseases in adults below 40 years of age is not well documented.Aim:The LufuMobile is a mobile lung function laboratory with two units (Geraterm, Germany). From 2011 until July 2013, measurements were performed at 71 locations throughout Germany by experienced lung function staff. The aim is to determine the national prevalence of obstructive pulmonary function tests (FEV1/FVC < 0.7 and/or FEV1 < 80% predicted) with respect to smoking status and respiratory symptoms.Results:Until now 6020 subjects took part (age (mean) 59.7 yrs, range 18-96; 50.8% female). In individuals with an empty history of any kind of lung diseases (n=5166), obstructive pulmonary function tests were observed in 19.8%. The rate was age-depended (14.3% in people below 30 years, 13.4% (30- <40 yrs), 13.1% (40- <50yrs), 21.4% (50- <60yrs) and 29.5% in subjects above 60 yrs (p<0,0001, all comparisons), and dependent on smoking status (p<0.001). In early smokers (started smoking already before 20 yrs of age), lung functions was significantly reduced beginning with the 4th decade (age 30-40 yrs) when compared to age-matched late smokers (onset of smoking above 20 yrs). The differences in lung function between early vs. late onset smokers were more pronounced in higher age decades.Conclusion:At least one out of ten adults below 40 years of age without known lung disease displays an obstructive pulmonary function test. Early onset of smoking (before 20 yrs of age) contributes significantly to more rapid lung function decline compared to late onset smokers. ER -