Small Lungs and Obstructed Airways

by Peter Burney

Small Lungs and Obstructed Airways: Reassessing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease proposes an alternative perspective to current explanations for the distribution of chronic lung disease. The book considers the link between chronic respiratory disease and associated mortality with smaller lungs rather than obstructed airways and explores other factors contributing to poor lung health besides the current emphasis on the roles of air pollution, occupational exposures, and cardio-metabolic disease. It presents the findings of the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study, sharing new views on the prevalence of obstructive lung disease and risk factors across various global regions. Sections cover decreased lung function, including the prevalent views on the impact of both household and external air pollution, occupational exposure, and the prenatal and postnatal/childhood environment in the etiology of impaired lung function and COPD. The book then moves on to discussions on the impact poverty and nutrition has on lung health, sharing the findings of the BOLD study regarding its effect on lung function and risk of COPD in lower-income countries. The book closes with a chapter outlining the clinical and public health implications of the findings discussed in the book.

• Evaluates the role of environmental and lifestyle risk factors in lung health and disease, including pollution, occupational exposures, early infection in childhood, poverty, and diet
• Provides new perspectives on the significance of low lung volumes vs. chronic airflow obstruction, considering lower adult lung function as a predictor of poorer respiratory health, mortality, and potential comorbidities
• Shares findings from the international Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study, including analysis in low-income countries