# Risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Receipt of a Breathing Test in 26 States and the District of Columbia, 2017–2018

## TL;DR

This study found that many adults without COPD show symptoms indicating higher COPD risk, but only about 40% of them had a breathing test.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into COPD risk levels and testing rates among adults in 26 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

## Key findings

- Over 15% of adults without COPD were at higher COPD risk based on symptoms, age, and smoking.
- More than 40% of high-risk adults reported receiving a breathing test.
- Common COPD symptoms like cough and shortness of breath were reported by over 10% of adults.

## Abstract

We estimated the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk level, and receipt of a breathing test among adults without reported COPD in 26 states and the District of Columbia by using 2017–2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. Among adults without reported COPD, the 3 respiratory symptoms indicating COPD (chronic cough, phlegm or mucus production, shortness of breath) were common (each >10%). About 15.0% were at higher COPD risk (based on the number of symptoms, age, and smoking status); 41.4% of adults at higher risk reported receipt of a breathing test. Patient–provider recognition and communication of risk symptoms, appropriate screening, and follow-up are important for early diagnosis and treatment.