Associations between life-course FEV1/FVC trajectories and respiratory symptoms up to middle age: analysis of data from two prospective cohort studies

Abstract

Background: Life-course lung function trajectories leading to airflow obstruction, as measured by impaired FEV1/FVC (forced vital capacity), precede the onset of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aimed to investigate whether individuals on impaired FEV1/FVC trajectories have an increased burden of respiratory symptoms, including those who do not meet the spirometric criteria for COPD. Methods: We analysed serial life-course data from two population-based cohort studies separately, which included respiratory symptoms and spirometry: the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study (TAHS, Australia) cohort was recruited at age 6–7 years and followed up until middle age (mean age 53 years..