Longitudinal Follow-Up of Participants With Tobacco Exposure and Preserved Spirometry

This longitudinal study found that people who used tobacco and had respiratory symptoms but preserved spirometry had significantly more exacerbations on follow up. This is important because people who smoke cigarettes may not have airflow obstructions but can still experience respiratory symptoms yet are excluded from COPD trials, and thus lack evidence-based therapies. Co-author MeiLan Han, MD is a National Volunteer Medical Spokesperson for the American Lung Association and ACRC investigator.