The correct answer is 2 (Perform chest X-ray and spirometry with bronchodilator test). It is probably COPD but we must confirm it and assess the severity of the obstruction with spirometry before starting treatment. He is a patient at risk for lung cancer so it is mandatory to perform a chest X-ray to rule out this or other pathologies that would justify the symptoms, although most likely they are due to the debut of his COPD.

[HIDDEN] It is probably COPD but we must confirm it and assess the severity of the obstruction with spirometry before starting treatment. He is a patient at risk for lung cancer so it is mandatory to perform a chest X-ray to rule out this or other pathologies that would justify the symptoms, although [HIDDEN].

A 65-year-old man, a retired office worker and smoker of 1 pack of cigarettes a day, comes to the clinic with a persistent, generally dry cough and progressive dyspnea of 2 years of evolution which is currently grade 2. The patient denies other symptoms. Physical examination shows no relevant data. The attitude to follow would be:

Start treatment with inhaled bronchodilators.

Chest X-ray and spirometry with bronchodilator test.

Contemporary issues in the care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and is estimated to be responsible for 119,000 deaths in the year 2000 alone. Additionally, COPD places a tremendous burden on the health care system, with estimated annual costs of US 24 billion dollars in 2000, and it is generally expected that costs will continue to rise as more individuals are diagnosed. COPD was responsible for approximately 8 million physician outpatient visits, 1.5 million emergency department visits and 726,000 hospitalizations, also in the year 2000. The objective of this article is to review current, pertinent clinical issues in the management of patients with COPD, with estimates of their relative utility and efficacy. COPD is a disease characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. Patients with COPD may frequently experience symptoms of chronic cough with sputum production, dyspnea, and reduced exercise capacity. They may frequently experience exacerbations characterized by increased symptoms that often require medical intervention. The diagnosis of COPD is usually fairly straightforward and made in a cigarette smoker, with the aforementioned symptoms and airflow obstruction measured by spirometry. Spirometry should be performed in all patients in whom COPD is suspected, as it provides useful prognostic information and may be used to stage the disease. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) has provided evidenced-based management guidelines for COPD. GOLD guidelines advocate staging COPD by spirometry and make specific treatment recommendations based on COPD stage. The most important risk factor for the development of COPD is cigarette smoking, and smoking cessation has been shown to reduce all-cause mortality and to alter the natural history of COPD. Smoking cessation strategies that employ both counseling and medications like buproprion and nicotine replacement are most effective, but relapse rates remain high. It has not been shown that medications like bronchodilators or inhaled steroids change the natural history of COPD, nor do they reduce mortality, but they can affect other important outcomes. Long-acting bronchodilators, including beta- 2-adrenergic agonists such as salmeterol and formoterol, and the anticholinergic agent tiotropium, improve lung function and exercise tolerance, reduce symptoms, and modestly reduce exacerbation rates. Long-acting bronchodilators are indicated for all COPD patients with chronic symptoms. Short-acting bronchodilators are indicated for rescue when acute symptoms occur. Inhaled corticosteroids minimally improve lung function, but, importantly, reduce exacerbation rates and are indicated in severe COPD or when exacerbations are frequent. Continuous oxygen therapy has been shown to reduce mortality when severe hypoxemia is present and can improve quality of life when moderate hypoxia is present. Finally, well-designed, multidisciplinary disease management programs and pulmonary rehabilitation can improve important disease outcomes in a cost-effective manner. COPD is a common, preventable disease that affects a significant number of people. It may be managed by utilizing various readily available medical therapies, as well as other nonpharmacologic interventions, such as pulmonary rehabilitation. Proper coordination of care is important in this disease, and efforts should be focused on improving quality of life and reduction of symptoms.

[Diagnostic standard for differentiation between bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

The aim of this study was to work out the simplified standard for distinguishing COPD from bronchial asthma. An overall sample of 150 individuals was used for statistical analysis. Sixty one were diagnosed as having COPD and 89 as suffering from asthma. For each patient the modified ATS-DLD-75-C questionnaire was filled out, and laboratory tests results were collected. Laboratory findings included: basic spirometry and flow-volume curve parameters, diurnal PEF variation, tests with bronchodilators (salbutamol, ipratropium bromide and corticosteroids), challenges with histamine and exercise, blood gas analysis, skin tests, chest X-ray, ECG, blood cell count, blood and sputum eosinophilia. Continuous variables were transformed into discrete (dichotomous) ones using commonly accepted threshold values. Then, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy indexes were calculated for each variable and for all possible sets of 2, 3 and 4 variables. Finally, 2 sets of 4 signs and symptoms were selected as the most characteristic of the diseases of interest. Asthma was diagnosed if 3 out of 4 following conditions were present: 1) episodes of shortness of breath and wheezing, 2) smoking index (cigarettes number per day x years of smoking) < or = 200, 3) PC20 < or = 8 mg/ml or delta FEV1 after bronchodilator > or = 15% predicted, 4) diurnal PEF variation > or = 20% predicted. COPD was recognised in the same way on the basis of: 1) productive cough, 2) smoking index > 200, 3) signs of emphysema on the chest X-ray, 4) maximal FEV1 < 80% predicted (after treatment). Diagnosis established using this model was correct in 76% and false (what was very important) in only 2.6% of cases. In the remaining 21% of patients it was uncertain (e.g. both of the diseases confirmed).

Persistent Dyspnea in a 74-Year-Old Man With Normal Spirometry and Lung Volumes.

A 74-year-old man was referred to a pulmonologist for evaluation of a 1-year history of nonproductive cough and progressive exertional dyspnea. He was initially evaluated by his primary care physician, where he had spirometry that was negative for any obstructive or restrictive lung disease. An echocardiogram showed a normal left ventricular ejection fraction, with no wall motion abnormality or valvular heart disease. He had an outpatient chest radiograph performed (Fig 1), and he was subsequently treated empirically for a COPD exacerbation with 5 days of oral prednisone and azithromycin. He was eventually referred to a pulmonologist because of a lack of clinical improvement. On seeing his pulmonary physician, he described the same exertional dyspnea and a nonproductive cough. A review of systems was negative for fever, chills, wheezing, angina, arthralgia, myalgia, rash, or leg swelling. He denied any medical illness and was not taking any medications. He was currently retired and had worked as a cashier his entire adult life. He had no occupational exposure to asbestos, coal dust, beryllium, silica dust, or dust from hard metal objects, such as cobalt. However, he had smoked approximately 1 to 2 packs of cigarettes per day and had done so for the past 50 years. His vital signs were unremarkable, aside from an oxygen saturation of 94% on room air. His physical examination revealed bibasilar "velcro-like" inspiratory crackles on lung examination. There was no digital clubbing, nor was there peripheral edema in his lower extremities. He had no muscle tenderness and demonstrated normal muscle strength against resistance.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Diagnosis and Management.

The diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should be suspected in patients with risk factors (primarily a history of smoking) who report dyspnea at rest or with exertion, chronic cough with or without sputum production, or a history of wheezing. COPD may be suspected based on findings from the history and physical examination, but must be confirmed by spirometry to detect airflow obstruction. Findings that are most helpful to rule in COPD include a smoking history of more than 40 pack-years, a self-reported history of COPD, maximal laryngeal height, and age older than 45 years. The combination of three clinical variables-peak flow rate less than 350 L per minute, diminished breath sounds, and a smoking history of 30 pack-years or more-is another good clinical predictor, whereas the absence of all three of these signs essentially rules out airflow obstruction. Pharmacotherapy and smoking cessation are the mainstays of treatment, and pulmonary rehabilitation, long-term oxygen therapy, and surgery may be considered in select patients. Current guidelines recommend starting monotherapy with an inhaled bronchodilator, stepping up to combination therapy as needed, and/or adding inhaled corticosteroids as symptom severity and airflow obstruction progress.

Oral corticosteroid trials in the management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Although recent guidelines for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) recommend a trial of oral corticosteroids in the initial assessment, its prognostic value remains unclear. We prospectively studied 127 adults (64% men) with stable COPD (FEV1/FVC < 60%) over 1 year. At entry, we measured lung volumes, gas transfer factor, respiratory symptoms (by questionnaire), and peripheral blood eosinophil count. Skin-prick testing was done, and spirometry after nebulized 5 mg salbutamol and, after 2 weeks, oral prednisolone. Physician A gave all patients inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (800 mcg/day), whereas physician B prescribed this only to those with a positive oral corticosteroid trial. At 1 year, spirometry and respiratory questionnaire were repeated, with an estimate of overall symptom severity on a visual analogue scale. Follow-up data were available in 104 (82%) patients. Of these, 32 (31%) were unresponsive to salbutamol and prednisolone; 48 (46%) were responsive to beta agonists but not to corticosteroids, and 24 (23%) responded to corticosteroids and salbutamol. Patients in all groups were comparable, except that the prednisolone responders had a higher mean eosinophil count (p < 0.001) and more were ex-smokers (p < 0.001). Only the response to oral prednisolone correlated with the change in prebronchodilator FEV1 over 1 year. Oral prednisolone responders had higher FEV1 at 1 year (p < 0.02) and significantly lower symptom scores (p < 0.02). In COPD, corticosteroid trials contribute information additional to that gained from nebulized bronchodilator reversibility testing. Patients with a positive response to a corticosteroid trial are more likely to have improved symptomatically and spirometrically at 1 year.

Obstructive lung disease

The diagnosis of COPD is established through spirometry although other pulmonary function tests can be helpful. A chest X-ray is often ordered to look for hyperinflation and rule out other lung conditions but the lung damage of COPD is not always visible on a chest x-ray. Emphysema, for example, can only be seen on CT scan. The main form of long term management involves the use of inhaled bronchodilators (specifically beta agonists and anticholinergics) and inhaled corticosteroids. Many patients eventually require oxygen supplementation at home. In severe cases that are difficult to control, chronic treatment with oral corticosteroids may be necessary, although this is fraught with significant side effects.

[Clinical study on bronchial hyperresponsiveness and development of bronchial asthma in patients with persistent cough].

The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether in patients with persistent cough the presence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BH) and development of asthma could be speculated based on clinical data. Only patients who met strict criteria excluding exogenous factors that influence BH, especially smoking or respiratory infection, were included in this study. The study group included 15 males and 50 females aged 18 to 62 years (mean +/- S.D. of 44 +/- 12 years) whose physical findings, chest X-rays, spirometry results and peripheral leukocyte counts were within normal limits. Duration of cough was at least one month. The patients had no history of wheezing, dyspnea or previous bronchodilator therapy. None of them had ever been smokers. In addition, there was no history of upper respiratory tract infection in the preceding month. BH was assessed by "Astograph" using methacholine. Cmin and Dmir or SGrs/Grs cont. were measured as the indexes of bronchial sensitivity or reactivity respectively. A methacholine Cmin of 3, 125 micrograms/ml or less was taken as a positive indication of BH. The evaluated clinical data were age, pulmonary function (spirogram or flow volume curve), atopic factors (serum total IgE and family or personal history of atopic diseases), peripheral eosinophil count, bronchial sensitivity or reactivity, and clinical features of cough (induction by exercise or cold air and nocturnal worsening). The results were as follows. (1) Twenty-nine (45%) of 65 patients were BH-positive (BH-positive group). (2) There was no significant difference in age, %FVC, IgE, and family or personal history of atopic diseases between the BH-positive and negative group. However, the BH-positive group had significantly lower FEV1.0%, %FEV1.0, PEFR, (p less than 0.05) and V25/H (p less than 0.01) and a higher peripheral eosinophil count (p less than 0.05) than the BH-negative group. (3) Seventeen (85%) of 20 BH-positive patients prescribed bronchodilators (beta 2 agonist/theophylline) responded to therapy within a month. (4) Seven (29%) of 24 BH-positive patients available for 2 years follow-up developed clinical asthma. (5) There was no significant difference in %FVC, FEV1.0%, V25/H and peripheral eosinophil count between the patients who developed asthma (Group A) and those who did not (Group N-A). However, The patients in Group A were older than those in Group N-A.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Physician perceptions and management of COPD.

To assess awareness and understanding of obstructive airway diseases by primary-care physicians, the authors surveyed a randomly selected population of 75 primary care practitioners. During one-on-one interviews, physicians were presented with a standardized case scenario and a subsequent series of open-ended questions concerning asthma and COPD. Each respondent was presented in randomized fashion with one of two versions of a case description of a hypothetical 52-year-old male smoker with a recent upper respiratory tract infection and persistent productive cough. The only difference between case descriptions was that one included explicit reference to an earlier tentative diagnosis of chronic bronchitis (CB version); the other description made no specific mention of this diagnostic term (NCB version). Chest radiographs were requested by 80 percent of physicians and sputum cultures by 50 percent, these percentages not differing significantly between CB and NCB groups. Spirometry was requested less often than either of the foregoing tests (21 percent). The CB group requested spirometry significantly more often than the NCB group (38 percent vs 5 percent, p < 0.05). The most frequently mentioned primary diagnosis was bronchitis/pneumonia (33 percent), followed by bronchitis (28 percent) and chronic bronchitis (16 percent), all of which were similar in both groups. However, the diagnostic term "COPD" was the primary diagnosis in 16 percent of the CB group, compared with 8 percent in the NCB group (p > 0.05). Oral antibiotics were the most frequently chosen first-line drug therapy (63 percent). In subsequent questions concerning the management of obstructive airway diseases, primary practitioners distinguished COPD from asthma conceptually, but their prescribed therapy for the two disorders was less distinct. beta 2-agonists were selected most frequently and similarly as initial therapy for both disorders (53 percent). Minor differences between first-line therapeutic choices included nonsignificant trends toward the more frequent mention of anticholinergic bronchodilators for COPD than for asthma (10 percent vs 0 percent) and the more frequent selection of inhaled corticosteroids for asthma (12 percent vs 5 percent). The authors conclude that to the extent that questionnaire responses reflect actual practice, primary care practitioners (1) have a low index of suspicion for obstructive airway disease, (2) markedly underutilized spirometry as a screening tool, (3) consider beta 2-agonists first-line therapy for COPD and asthma, and (4) despite considering COPD and asthma different disease processes, choose similar medications for each disorder.

[Survey of chest physicians regarding COPD diagnosis and treatment].

A survey on COPD diagnostic procedures, treatment and management was conducted in a group of 517 chest physicians randomized from a list of the 1121 affiliates to the Asociación Argentina de Medicina Respiratoria. One hundred eighty-seven responses were obtained (36.2% of the questionnaires mailed). They treat an average of 53.3 COPD patients every month. Twenty-four percent of them had mild, 41.8% moderate and 33.8% severe disease (GOLD criteria). Only clinical criteria for diagnosis of COPD, clinical criteria + spirometry (S), and clinical criteria + S + chest X ray were used by 2.9, 23.4 and 73.7% of responders, respectively. Seventy percent of responders believed that chronic asthma without bronchodilator response must be included in the COPD definition. Only 14.1% of responders performed S in every office visit. Cardiac function was assessed using clinical criteria, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram by 90.6, 80.6 and 73.8% of responders, respectively, while 98.3% stated that they trained most of their patients in the inhalation technique. Metered Dose Inhaled was the first option for bronchodilators administration (64.8%) followed by nebulization (16.5%), dry powder inhalation (13.7%) and oral administration (4.8%). First option for chronic therapy in severe COPD patients was the association of anticholinergic drug (AC) + short acting beta2-agonists (SABA) (65.5%), AC alone (18.8%), long acting beta2-agonists (LABA) (9.7%), inhaled corticosteroids (IC) (3.5%) and SABA alone (2.8%). Corticosteroids and antibiotics were prescribed in severe COPD exacerbation by 92.5 and 70% of responders, respectively. First choice antibiotic formulation was beta-lactamics + beta-lactamase inhibitors in 39% of the responders followed by fluorquinolones in 23.7%, macrolides in 17.5% and beta-lactamics in 12.5%. Lastly, 12.7% of COPD patients received long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy. 59.3% of them were prescribed pulmonary rehabilitation, 94.1% vaccination against influenza and 91.4% pneumococcal vaccination. Thirty seven percent of the patients continued to smoke. Most of reponses regarding diagnosis and exacerbation treatment were in agreement with recommendations of international guidelines. For maintenance treatment the association of AC + SABA was commonly recommended as first option, whereas IC and LABA were rarely prescribed.

Changes in hospital management of acute severe asthma by thoracic and general physicians in Birmingham and Manchester during 1978 and 1985.

Hospital management of acute severe asthma in 14 large hospitals in Birmingham and Manchester was audited in a random 20% of 1196 patients aged 15-45 years admitted in 1985. Of the 239 admissions randomised, 192 were suitable for study. Results were compared with those from a study in the same hospitals using the same methods in 1978. The age and sex of the patients and their smoking history, duration of asthma, and hospital attendance were similar in 1978 and 1985. A much smaller proportion of patients presented with symptoms of over seven days' duration in 1985 (8.5%) than in 1978 (26%). The inpatient management of asthma appears to have improved in both thoracic and general units, with more thorough functional assessments, more frequent performance of relevant investigations (arterial blood gases and peak expiratory flow rates) and more frequent use of recommended treatment (nebulised bronchodilators, oral and intravenous corticosteroids). Less difference was found in 1985 between units with a specialist thoracic interest and those without, though some differences remained in 1985 in monitoring of peak expiratory flow rate and arterial blood gases, outpatient prescribing, and follow up arrangements. Inhaled preventive medication was prescribed more frequently than in 1978. In 1985 there was a 56% increase in admissions for asthma. The proportion of severely ill patients was similar to that in 1978, but in the most severe functional grade mean arterial carbon dioxide tension was higher in 1985 and more patients were ventilated. Our results suggest that hospital management by thoracic and general physicians has improved over the period 1978-85. Patients presented earlier in 1985, though there seems to have been an increase in asthma of all grades of severity.

[Clinical examinations for COPD].

The natural history of COPD such as pulmonary emphysema demonstrates that FEV1 rapidly declines in smokers who are susceptible to cigarette smoke. The susceptible smokers who quit smoking do not regain only a little, but the rate of the FEV1 decline is no longer steep. These have been interpreted that early detection of this obstructive impairment is the most important issue to prevent the progression to severe emphysema. Pulmonary function tests, at least a measure of FEV1, in the all middle-aged smokers have been particularly recommended. The smokers with abnormal FEV1 defect should be advised to quit smoking. In moderate and severe cases, after staging of the disease by pulmonary function and exercise tests, assessments of complicated factors such as eosinophilic bronchitis are clinically important for constructing therapeutic strategies. Asthmatic component can be assessed by eosinophil count in the sputum and/or reversibility of the pulmonary function after challenging of bronchodilater inhalations. In the severe stage of the disease, examinations such as arterial blood gas analysis and pulse oxymetric measure are critical because oxygen therapy for the patients with respiratory failure has been known to improve survival prognosis. Portable devices which can assess arterial oxygen saturation during daily activity will be useful to decide its indication or to titrate oxygen. In conclusion, clinical examination in COPD, particularly in pulmonary emphysema in this paper, should appropriately be planned in each stage of the disease, or in each clinical purpose.

The Changes of Pulmonary Function in COPD During Four-Year Period.

none declared. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. to show the changes of pulmonary function in COPD during the 4 -year evolution of illness. The research was done on patients suffering from COPD treated at the Clinic "Podhrastovi" during 2006 and 2007. The tested parameters were examined from the date of receiving patient with COPD to hospital treatment in 2006 and 2007 and then followed prospectively until 2010 or 2011 (the follow-up period was 4 years). There were total 199 treated patients who were chosen at random and regularly attended the control examinations. The study was conducted on adult patients of both sexes, different age group. In each patient the duration of illness was recorded so is sex, age, data of smoking habits, information about the regularity of taking bronchodilator therapy during remissions of disease, about the treatment of disease exacerbations, results of pulmonary functional tests as follows: FVC (forced vital capacity), FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second) and bronchodilator reversibility testing. All these parameters were measured at the beginning and at the end of each hospital treatment on the apparatuses of Clinic "Podhrastovi". We took in elaboration those data obtained in the beginning of the first hospitalization and at the end of the last hospitalization or at the last control in outpatient department when patient was in stable state. Patients were divided into three groups according to the number of exacerbations per year. airflow limitation in COPD is progressive; both FVC and FEV1 shows the statistically significant decrease during follow-up period of 4 years (p values / for both parameters/ =0.05) . But in patients regularly treated in phases of remission and exacerbations of illness the course of illness is slower. The fall of FVC and FEV1 is statistically significantly smaller in those received regular treatment in phases of remissions and exacerbations of illness (p values / for both parameters/ =0.01). The number of patients responding properly to bronchodilators decreased statistically significantly in patients with COPD during follow-up period (p=0.05). COPD is characterized with airflow limitation which is progressive in the course of illness, but that course may be made slower using appropriate treatment during remission and exacerbations of diseases.

A 75-Year-Old Woman With Pulmonary Nodules and Dyspnea.

A 75-year-old woman was referred to the pulmonary office in January 2020 for cough and progressive worsening of shortness of breath over the years. Her medical history was significant for asthma that was diagnosed approximately 10 years earlier, when she first developed dyspnea. A pre-bronchodilator spirometry at that time showed severe airflow obstruction (Fig 1). The patient was incidentally found to have several noncalcified pulmonary nodules on a chest CT scan in 2015, which was obtained as a part of dyspnea workup. She underwent bronchoscopic evaluation with transbronchial biopsy of the largest nodule (1.6 × 1.2 cm) in the right middle lobe. She was diagnosed with low-grade neuroendocrine tumor (typical carcinoid) and had been under surveillance without any progression in the number of nodules or the size of the existing nodules. She was a lifelong nonsmoker and no family history of asthma. Over the years, she received multiple courses of systemic corticosteroids and different inhalers, without any improvement in her symptoms. The patient was frustrated by the lack of perceived benefit, and she discontinued all respiratory medications. She denied any fever, night sweats, exertional chest pain, or seasonal allergies but reported cough, wheezing, and severe exertional shortness of breath. She was unable to walk more than 20 feet at a time. She had no pets at home and did not travel outside the United States. Her only home medications were multivitamins and low-dose aspirin.

The changes of arterial blood gases in COPD during four-year period.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible and that can lead to respiratory failure. To show the changes of arterial blood gases in COPD during the 4-year evolution of illness. The research was done on patients suffering from COPD treated at the Clinic "Podhrastovi" during 2006 and 2007 year. The tested parameters were examined from the date of receiving patient with COPD to hospital treatment in 2006 and 2007 and then followed prospectively until 2010 or 2011 year (the follow-up period was 4 years). There were total 199 treated patients who were chosen at random and regularly attended the control examinations. The study was conducted on adult patients of both sexes, different age group. In each patient the duration of illness was recorded so is sex, age, data of smoking habits, information about the regularity of taking bronchodilator therapy during remissions of disease, about the treatment of disease exacerbations, results of blood gases analysis as follows: pH value, PaO2 (partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood), PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood). All these parameters were measured at the beginning and at the end of each hospital treatment. We took in elaboration data obtained in the beginning of the first hospitalization and at the end of the last hospitalization or at the last control in outpatient department when patient was in stable state. Patients were divided into three groups according to the number of exacerbations per year. There is the statistically significant decrease of PaO2 (p < 0.01) and pH, (p < 0.05) and an increase of PaCO2 (p < 0.01) during follow-up period. But in patients regularly treated in phases of remission and exacerbations of illness the course of illness is slower. The decrease of pH and PaO2 and increase of PaCO2 is statistically significantly smaller in those received regular treatment in phases of remissions (P values are respectively: < 0.05, < 0.01 and < 0.01) and exacerbations of illness (p values are respectively: < 0.01, < 0.01 and < 0.05). COPD is characterized with airflow limitation which is progressive in the course of illness, and by the changes in arterial blood gases that can lead to respiratory failure, but that course may be made slower using appropriate treatment during remission and exacerbations of diseases.

Bronchiectasis

Bronchodilators Some clinical trials have shown a benefit with inhaled bronchodilators in certain people with bronchiectasis. In people with demonstrated bronchodilator reversibility on spirometry, the use of inhaled bronchodilators resulted in improved dyspnea, cough, and quality of life without any increase in adverse events. However, overall there is a lack of data to recommend use of bronchodilators in all patients with bronchiectasis.

Clinical and physiological follow-up of severe chronic obstructive lung disease.

Case reports are given of 25 patients with severe chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) and with a ventilatory capacity (MVVF) < or = 35 per cent of predicted normal values. The patients were selected among persons treated 1968-1970 at the Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University Hospital, Uppsala. Clinical and physiological follow-up studies have been made. Case histories, physical and radiological findings of the heart and lungs and in 5 patients autopsy findings are given. Arterial blood gas tensions and acid-base balance in the patients' habitual state are also reported. Changes in the electrocardiograms (ECG), in lung volumes and dynamic ventilatory function and physical working capacity, measured on a bicycle ergometer, are described. In 1970-71 the patients (39-72 years of age) were admitted to hospital for 5 days in their optimal state for the following investigations: static and dynamic spirometry, total haemoglobin, ECG, vectorcardiogram (VCG), physical working capacity, pulmonary gas exchange and central haemodynamic studies. The results of the gas exchange and central haemodynamic studies, total haemoglobin and the physical working capacity are given elsewhere. Certain comparisons were made between the two groups of patients: (R) patients who had had one or several periods of manifest respiratory insufficiency with intensive treatment (n = 14) and a comparison (C) group (n = 11), with the same ventilatory impairment in regard to MVVF, but without any corresponding periods needing oxygen treatment combined with breathing assistance by a physiotherapist or respirator. Sixteen patients had chronic bronchitis with emphysema, one chronic bronchitis without emphysema, four primary emphysema, one emphysema and bronchial asthma and three emphysema and widespread bronchiectasis. The most striking difference in the clinical history of the R-and C-group patients was a greater tobacco consumption (packets/lifetime) in the R group. The ECG was typical for right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) in one patient from each group. Slightly delayed ventricular activation and clock-wise rotation of the QRS frontal plane axis were the most common ECG findings. VCG was typical for RVH in one C-group and 4 R-group patients, and suspected to indicate RVH in 7 R- and 5 C-group patients. Biventricular hypertrophy may be one of the reasons that ECG and VCG do not more often fulfil the typical RVH criteria. The average MVVF was about 21 per cent of predicted normal values before and about 27 per cent after administration of a bronchodilating spray. The average vital capacity (VC) was 55 per cent before and 64 per cent after the use of a spray.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Advanced Sarcoidosis with Apparent Onset by Respiratory Failure.

We present the case of a 14 years-old male (with poor living condition, non-smoker) hospitalized for a sudden onset of a rest dyspnea, mucopurulent cough. We found bronchial sibilant rales, wheezing, cyanosis, peripheral adenopathies, hepatosplenomegaly, purulent tonsillitis. the chest-x-ray revealed bilateral mediastinal lymphadenopathy and bilateral lung infiltrations. Spirometry: severe mixed ventilator dysfunction without reversibility. Sputum: negative microscopy and culture for Koch bacillus. Stool examination: cysts of Lamblia giardia. The patient refused bronchoscopy and mediastinoscopy, so it was performed axillary lymph node biopsy which confirmed sarcoidosis (non-caseating epithelioid granulomas). The treatment included antibiotics, antiparasites, oral and inhaled corticosteroids (CS), bronchodilators, oxygen, with clinical/functional improvement after 3 months. CS was followed 1.5 years with poor compliance. A relapse occurred after 3 years and the CS were reinserted. The computerized tomography (CT) scan revealed a diffuse interstitial fibrosis with bronchiectasis. The case particularity relies on the atypical early onset of the sarcoidosis, with respiratory failure and progression to lung fibrosis despite CS treatment. The association of proinflammatory risk factors such as multiple infections needs to be noted.

[Prevalence and difficulties in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diagnosis in patients suffering from severe peripheral arterial disease].

Cigarette smoking is the most prominent risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Prevalence of COPD among cigarette smokers is about 23% in Poland. Effort dyspnea which develops in advanced stage of COPD is the leading cause of seeking medical advice. Physical activity among patients with PAD is reduced due to intermittent claudication. It may cause delayed COPD diagnosis in this group of patients. To estimate the prevalence of COPD among patients suffering from severe PAD who were hospitalized in surgery department due to critical limb ischemia and to evaluate difficulties during COPD diagnosis in this group of patients. We examined 64 patients suffering from severe PAD (at least IIb stage according to Fontaine's scale). Patients were asked about the typical symptoms of COPD: chronic cough, regular sputum production and dyspnea. To evaluate the intensity of dyspnea we used British Medical Research Council scale. Spirometry was performed to every patient. Patients with airways obstruction underwent spirometry after the administration of inhaled bronchodilator. Every patient who had the post-bronchodilator value of FEV,/FVC ratio below the lower limit of normal values was diagnosed with COPD. It was not possible to evaluate the dyspnea intensity using MRC scale in 44% of 34 patients who reported dyspnea. During the study we diagnosed 16 patients with COPD (9 pts had 1st stage of COPD according to GOLD classification, 7 pts--2nd). 9 patients had been formerly diagnosed with COPD (2 pts--1st stage, 5 pts--2nd, and 2 pts--3rd). Spirometry-defined COPD was present in 39% of study group. The analysis of data from patients with PAD coexistent COPD revealed that 60% of them were current cigarette smokers and 28% of them declared passive smoking exposure. The other known negative prognostic factors in patients with COPD such as BMI lower than 21 kg/mr2, FEV1% of predicted value below 65% and X-rays photograph visible emphysema were observed in 40%, 32% and 12% of patients with PAD and coexistent COPD respectively. Hypertension was present in 52% of patients with PAD and coexistent COPD, cardiac arterial disease in 52% and chronic heart failure due to cardiac arterial disease in 36%. Further analysis of laboratory tests revealed dyslipidemia and chronic kidney disease in 52% and 60% of these patients respectively. COPD diagnosis among patients suffering from severe PAD involves several difficulties such as uselessness of MRC dyspnea scale and frequent heart diseases which delay the COPD diagnosis being considered as primary dyspnea reason. Many factors which have been proven to be responsible for worse prognosis due to COPD were observed in patients with PAD and coexistent COPD. High prevalence of COPD among patients suffering from PAD suggests the spirometry as a COPD screening would be justified in that group.

[Course and prognosis of chronic obstructive lung disease over 5 and 10 years].

453 patients aged over 40 hospitalized with severe COPD, a mean age of 66 years and mean FEV1 of 1.24 litres (49% predicted) were prospectively followed up for 5 years (341) and 10 years (195) respectively. 5-year survival was 47%, while 10-year survival was severely limited despite uniform therapy (23%). Average survival was only 4.4 years. Of the 15 prognostic factors considered, initial FEV1, body-weight, smoking behavior, diagnosis of bronchial asthma or emphysema, finding of p pulmonale and reversibility of bronchodilation had a significant influence on survival. The average decrease in FEV1 per year was only 28 ml in the surviving patients. It was lowest in those with FEV1 reversibility of more than 105 ml after bronchodilation. A maximum increase of FEV1 of more than 485 ml during the initial hospitalization, together with stopping smoking, were the next two important factors in FEV1 decrease. Mean annual NO2 concentration at home did not correlate significantly with survival and FEV1 decrease.

[Bronchial adenoid cystic carcinoma masquerading as bronchial asthma: a case report].

Here we reported a case of bronchial adenoid cystic carcinoma from Peking University Third Hospital. A 40-year-old female presented with dry cough for 1 year and nocturnal paroxysmal attacks of wheezing for 4 months. She was a non-smoker, and did not have past histories of asthma or allergy. On physical examination, no stridor, wheezing and cyanosis were present and the general appearance was good. The results of the laboratory analysis, including blood eosinophils count, immunoglobulin E level and chest X-ray were normal. Spirometry revealed reversible airflow obstruction, and post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) showed an increase of 12% and 230 mL from baseline. Bronchial asthma was diagnosed, however, she responded poorly despite the adequate anti-asthma therapy including high dose inhaled corticosteroid plus long-acting beta2-agonist, theophylline and montelukast. Then chest computed tomography (CT) was performed which showed a polypoid mass occupying the lumen of left main bronchus. Then the bronchoscopy revealed a polypoid endo-bronchial mass arising from the left main bronchus, causing subtotal obstruction of the lumen. Biopsy was carried out through the bronchoscopy, the pathological findings showed characteristic cribriform and tubular pattern which was formed by two-layered cells with ductal and myoepithelial phenotypes, which were consistent with adenoid cystic carcinoma. Re-examining the patient, the lung was clear without any wheeze when she was seated. However, inspiratory wheeze was heard in her left upper lung when she was supine, and disappeared after sitting up again. Subsequently the patient underwent a resection surgery. At the operational site, the tumor was seen on the anterolateral wall of the left main bronchus, without submucosally expanding histologically. Therefore, a sleeve resection surgery of the left main bronchus was performed. Following surgery, chest CT scan revealed complete resolution of the tumor. Her symptoms improved significantly, as did her pulmonary function tests, although all the medicines for asthma were stopped. Now, two years after the operation, the patient remained asymptomatic, and spirometry was performed again which showed normal completely. The presenting case report emphasizes the fact that not all wheezes and reversible airflow obstruction are asthma. It is critical to bear in mind that if a "difficult asthma" patient does not respond to appropriate anti-asthma therapy; localized obstructions should be differentiated.

World Trade Center dyspnea: bronchiolitis obliterans with functional improvement: a case report.

Bronchiolitis obliterans is a severe, often progressive, lung disease characterized by cough, exertional dyspnea, and airflow obstruction. It has been ascribed to specific causes such as lung or bone marrow transplant, medications for rheumatoid disease, and most recently in association with exposure to environmental agents. A 42-year-old, previously healthy New York City Highway Patrol officer who arrived at the World Trade Center (WTC), "ground zero," early on September 11, 2001 was evaluated. He has been followed for over 2 years with serial chest radiographs, CT scans, and pulmonary function studies. He eventually underwent an open lung biopsy. His dyspnea started on September 12, 2001 and progressed despite aggressive therapy with inhaled bronchodilator as well as oral and inhaled corticosteroids. At no time did he have any radiographic evidence of pulmonary disease. His forced vital capacity (FVC) decreased from 5.32 L in October 2001 to 2.86 L in January 2003. He underwent an open lung biopsy because of the persistent exertional dyspnea coupled with the loss of over 2 L of lung volume. The pathological findings were chronic bronchiolitis with focal obliterative bronchiolitis and rare non-necrotizing granuloma. Symptoms and pulmonary function improved after therapy with Azithromycin was added to his treatment. This process is believed to be secondary to his massive exposure to the cloud of dust that followed the collapse of the WTC. It is our conviction that many of those present at the WTC on September 11 who have persistent dyspnea and deterioration of pulmonary function may have a similar pathologic process despite absence of abnormalities on CT of the chest. In view of the many signs and symptoms seen in first responders we feel that these findings provide important information about the pathophysiology and treatment of progressive disease resulting from this exposure.

Can moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease be diagnosed by historical and physical findings alone?

The value of the history and physical examination in diagnosing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is uncertain. This study was undertaken to determine the best clinical predictors of COPD and to define the incremental changes in the ability to diagnose COPD that occur when the physical examination findings and then the peak flowmeter results are added to the pulmonary history. Ninety-two outpatients with a self-reported history of cigarette smoking or COPD completed a pulmonary history questionnaire and received peak flow and spirometric testing. The subjects were independently examined for 12 physical signs by 4 internists blinded to all other results. Multivariate analyses identified independent predictors of clinically significant, moderate COPD, defined as a forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) less than 60% of the predicted value or a FEV1/FVC (forced vital capacity) less than 60%. Fifteen subjects (16%) had moderate COPD. Two historical variables from the questionnaire--previous diagnosis of COPD and smoking (70 or more pack-years)--significantly entered a logistic regression model that diagnosed COPD with a sensitivity of 40% and a specificity of 100%. Only the physical sign of diminished breath sounds significantly added to the historical model to yield a mean sensitivity of 67% and a mean specificity of 98%. The peak flow result (best cutoff value was less than 200 L/min) significantly added to the models of only one of the four physicians for a mean final sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 95%. Subjects with none of the three historical and physical variables had a 3% prevalence of COPD; this prevalence was unchanged by adding the peak flow results. Diminished breath sounds were the best predictor of moderate COPD. A sequential increase in sensitivity and a minimal decrease in specificity occurred when the quality of breath sounds was added first to the medical history, followed by the peak flow result. The chance of COPD was very unlikely with a normal history and physical examination.

[The realities of clinical asthma diagnosis from questionnaire results].

We investigated the basis on which respiratory physicians establish a diagnosis of asthma in clinical practice. A questionnaire survey was conducted on physicians in charge of 1,600 asthma patients receiving outpatient treatment at the Hokkaido University General Hospital or its affiliated hospitals or clinics. The bases for diagnosis were ranked as follows: 1) recurrent paroxysmal dyspnea or symptoms such as wheezing and cough (86%); 2) detection of wheezing on auscultation (78%); 3) improvement in symptoms or auscultation findings after using bronchodilators (56%); 4) improvement in symptoms or auscultation findings after using inhaled corticosteroids (55%); 5) diagnosis of asthma by another physician (46%); and 6) spirometry findings (31%). The performance rates of each examination were as follows. Spirometry at initial visit, 47%; sputum eosinophils, 25%; improvements in FEV1 measured after inhalation of bronchodilator or after treatment as asthma, 12%; measurements of airway responsiveness, 5% and variability in peak expiratory flow, 2%. Asthma is often diagnosed by respiratory physicians based on symptoms, physical examinations and improvement in symptoms or physical findings after treatment for asthma in medical practice. The performance rates of tests used to diagnose asthma were low.

[The revised Dutch College of General Practitioners' standard on COPD and the first international WHO standard: differences and similarities].

Two standards on COPD have recently been published: the revised national standard from the Dutch College of General Practitioners and the first international standard published by the World Health Organization and the US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The reduced emphasis on the role of spirometry in the monitoring and evaluation of treatment is an important change in these new standards compared to previous ones. Cessation of smoking is considered to be central to the prevention and treatment of COPD. Doctors should strongly support this approach and, more than before, are urged to view COPD as a disease caused by addiction. Bronchodilators are the cornerstone of symptomatic treatment of COPD, particularly the long-acting ones due to their ease of administration and effective treatment of morning dyspnoea. Inhalation corticosteroids should only be administered as a trial treatment and only under certain conditions. Continuation of treatment with these agents is only justified if there is a demonstrated improvement in lung function, exacerbations or symptoms, although the precise area of indication is not yet clear.

Clinical aspects of farmer's lung: airway reactivity, treatment and prognosis.

This study reviews the results of five clinical studies dealing with farmer's lung (FL). The total number of patients included was 107, with a mean age of 49 years. All patients were farmers with dairy cattle. The clinical symptoms, auscultatory findings, chest radiography, laboratory data, partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood at rest (PaO2), dynamic spirometry (FVC and FEV1) and lung diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLco) were recorded at the first visit to the hospital and one, three, six and twelve months later during the follow-up and every six months after that. Half of the patients with FL reported insidious onset of the disease, and 28% reported acute onset. Dyspnoea was reported by all patients, coughing was almost as common. A considerable proportion of the patients reported muscle and joint pains. Diffuse opacities were detected in the chest radiograms of 99 patients (93%): the more severe the radiological change, the more impaired the DLco value. A normal chest radiogram was seen in eight of the 107 patients at the first evaluation. Half of the patients showed a restrictive type of impairment of ventilatory function at the first evaluation. Lung diffusing capacity was less than 80% of the predicted value in 89% of the patients. Ninety-nine patients were initially challenged with histamine and twenty-two of them (22%) showed increased bronchial responsiveness. Bronchial hyper-reactivity was transient in most of the patients and might also fluctuate with exacerbation of FL symptoms. Specimens of the airway epithelium of FL patients were taken by rigid bronchoscope from five patients for electronmicroscope studies. Extensive bronchial damage to the airway epithelium associated with the presence of spore-like fungi was observed. Aspiration biopsy of the spleen was carried out on ten FL patients during their first visit to the hospital. Granuloma-like reactions were detected in the aspiration biopsy material of five FL patients. The granulomatous changes in the spleen had disappeared when the procedure was repeated on two patients at an asymptomatic stage of the disease. Ninety-three patients were included in a follow-up study with a mean follow-up period of 18.6 months. The patients with clinically less severe disease were observed without medication. It appeared that corticosteroid medication was usually started if the DLco value was less than 65% of the predicted value. Fourteen patients with a DLco value less than 65% were observed without medication and served as a control group for those on medication.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Eosinophilic bronchitis

The cause of the inflammation can be associated with environmental triggers or common allergens such as dust, chloramine, latex, or welding fumes. Diagnosis Diagnosis of eosinophilic bronchitis is not common as it requires the examination of the patient's sputum for a definitive diagnosis, which can be difficult in those who present with a dry cough. In order to induce the sputum, the patient has to inhale increasing concentrations of hypertonic saline solution. If this is unavailable, a bronchoalveolar lavage can be done, and the bronchial wash fluid can be examined for eosinophils. The diagnosis is usually considered later by ruling out other life-threatening conditions or more common diagnoses such as asthma and GERD, and by seeing an improvement in symptoms with inhaled corticosteroid treatment. Chest X-rays and lung function tests are usually normal. CT scans may show some diffuse airway wall thickening. Management

Pulmonology

Procedures Clinical procedures Pulmonary clinical procedures include the following pulmonary tests and procedures: Medical laboratory investigation of blood (blood tests). Sometimes arterial blood gas tests are also required. Spirometry the determination of maximum airflow at a given lung volume as measured by breathing into a dedicated machine; this is the key test to diagnose airflow obstruction. Pulmonary function testing including spirometry, as above, plus response to bronchodilators, lung volumes, and diffusion capacity, the latter being a measure of lung oxygen absorptive area Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), endobronchial and transbronchial biopsy and epithelial brushing Chest X-rays CT scan Scintigraphy and other methods of nuclear medicine Positron emission tomography (especially in lung cancer) Polysomnography (sleep studies) commonly used for the diagnosis of sleep apnea

Early treatment of stage II sarcoidosis improves 5-year pulmonary function.

To evaluate the 5-year prognosis of patients with stage I and stage II newly detected (< 3 months) pulmonary sarcoidosis treated immediately after diagnosis with prednisolone for 3 months followed by inhaled budesonide for 15 months. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study for 18 months. Thereafter, open follow-up without treatment. Twenty pulmonary medicine departments in Finland. One hundred eighty-nine adult patients, most of them with normal lung function, were randomized to treatment. One hundred forty-nine patients were followed up for 5 years: 79 patients with initial stage I disease and 70 patients with stage II disease. Oral prednisolone for 3 months followed by inhaled budesonide for 15 months (800 microg bid), or placebo tablets followed by placebo inhaler therapy. Thereafter, treatment only on an individual basis in the case of clinical deterioration. Yearly follow-up visits with chest radiographs, lung function tests (FEV(1), FVC), diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (SACE), and serum and urinary calcium measurements. No initial differences were observed in chest radiographic findings between the active-treatment and placebo-treatment groups, either in patients with initial stage I or stage II(-III) disease. However, after the 5-year follow-up, 18 steroid-treated patients (26%) and 30 placebo-treated patients (38%) still had remaining chest radiographic changes. Placebo-treated patients more frequently required treatment with corticosteroids during the 5-year follow-up (p < 0.05). Steroid-treated patients with initial stage II(-III) disease improved more in FVC and DLCO (p < 0.05). No differences in reported adverse events or in SACE, serum calcium, or urinary calcium values were seen. Immediate treatment of pulmonary stage II(-III) sarcoidosis-but not stage I disease-improved the 5-year prognosis with regard to lung function variables.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

A CT scan is not routinely used except for the exclusion of bronchiectasis. An analysis of arterial blood is used to determine the need for oxygen supplementation, and assess for high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood; this is recommended in those with an FEV1 less than 35% predicted, those with a peripheral oxygen saturation less than 92%, and those with symptoms of congestive heart failure. WHO recommends that all those diagnosed with COPD be screened for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Differential diagnosis COPD may need to be differentiated from other conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma, bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, obliterative bronchiolitis, and diffuse panbronchiolitis. The distinction between asthma and COPD is made on the basis of the symptoms, smoking history, and whether airflow limitation is reversible with bronchodilators at spirometry. Chronic bronchitis with normal airflow is not classified as COPD.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the trachea mimicking asthma.

In cases of recent asthma in which clinical control with the usual treatment (corticosteroids and bronchodilator) is unsatisfactory, it is important to consider other diagnoses, such as congestive heart failure, gastroesophageal reflux or other forms of airway obstruction. We report the case of a female patient with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the trachea mimicking asthma. The patient presented cough and wheezing, as well as abnormal spirometry results with an obstructive pattern that was responsive to bronchodilators. One year later, the patient presented clinical and spirometric worsening. The chest X-ray revealed no abnormalities. A CT scan showed a vegetative lesion obstructing the tracheal lumen and located 1 cm from the carina. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy showed a finding similar to a bronchial carcinoid tumor. The anatomopathological diagnosis made after surgical resection was low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma, without lymph node involvement. Although the flow-volume curve was not suggestive of upper airway obstruction, the spirometry performed after the surgery showed a significant reduction in the degree of obstruction and greater reversibility after bronchodilator use. There was no evidence of recurrence of the disease or of the symptoms after a two-year follow-up period.

COPD: results of long-term treatment.

During the last decades the life expectation of patients with COPD increased continually. Today the life expectation of these patients reach that of the normal general population. Most important for this effect is the improvement of the therapeutical possibilities. Following the experience over nearly 3 decades the treatment regime is described. Glucocorticosteroids are at first line as much as necessary and as less as possible, starting with the inhalative forms adjusted at the clinical course stabilizes the situation. Bronchodilatation around the clock and as good as possible is a further important step. These effects have to be functionally-analytically controlled. It is not enough to follow only the clinical impression. beta 2-sympathicomimetics are the overall dilators with strongest effects and increase even the clearing mechanisms of the bronchopulmonary system. Short- as long-acting medicaments are available, but the duration of the action at each of the different forms is sometimes clearly shorter as the mean values describe. Anticholinergics and theophyllines have weaker bronchodilatation power, but they show additive effects, which could be used at special situations. Combinations as Berodual (beta 2-sympathicomimetics and anticholinergics) can decrease the dosage of the beta 2-sympathicomimetics and therefore increase the therapeutic range. At the situation of exacerbation antibiotics can be very helpful, but sometimes an increase of the dosage of glucocorticosteroids is necessary and sometimes the increase of this dosage alone can control the situation. It is very important to detect the deterioration which can end with a severe life threatening exacerbation as early as possible and to control the situation already at this stage. It is shown at examples of 56 patients functionally-analytically controlled over 5 years that the function values do not deteriorate during the constant treatment regime any more. Even in spite of the constant treatment with beta 2-sympathicomimetics no signs of any kind of down regulation or of tachyphylaxis of the bronchodilatation power could be detected. A bronchodilatation test after 4.2 years of constant bronchodilatation treatment together with beta 2-sympathicomimetics showed at 25 patients the same effect as normally at acute tests without pre-treatment seen. Because after the start of this treatment regime to-day a further deterioration does not take place, it is important to detect signs of the disease as early as possible. This can be achieved as the basis of lung function values measure over a long time. The best basis for this is the individual norm known from measurement at healthy days.

Acute inhalation injury with evidence of diffuse bronchiolitis following chlorine gas exposure at a swimming pool.

A previously healthy 23-year-old man with nonproductive cough and sore throat presented to the hospital a few hours after chlorine gas exposure at a fitness center swimming pool. Initial physical examination and chest radiograph were normal. Thirty-six hours later he developed worsening dyspnea and cough, with development of blood-tinged sputum. Arterial blood gas analysis showed mild hypoxemia and a subsequent chest radiograph demonstrated diffuse tiny nodular opacities. Findings on a thin-section computed tomogram of the chest were consistent with diffuse bronchiolitis. Pulmonary function tests showed a mild obstructive abnormality and he demonstrated substantial bronchodilator response. The patient was treated with oral corticosteroids and an inhaled beta(2) agonist, to which he responded well, with full clinical recovery occurring over 5 months. This manifestation of chlorine gas exposure at a swimming pool is unusual.