"Invalidity" due to chronic bronchitis and emphysema: how real is it?

• DOI: 10.1136/thx.40.11.828
• Publication Date: 2008-12-13T03:15:45Z
• Authors: S J Pearce; V Posner; A J Robinson; J R Barton; J E Cotes
• Keywords: Chronic bronchitis; Functional impairment; Pulmonary emphysema; Scope (computer science)

Hospital discharges and deaths attributed to chronic bronchitis emphysema have fallen in recent years while the number of those receiving invalidity benefit for these conditions has remained constant. One hundred fifty seven such persons were invited take part this study, which diagnosis, degree respiratory impairment, other factors contributing disability reviewed. The scope rehabilitation was considered. subjects agreed part; 96 men 70 over 60 years. In only 67 main diagnosis emphysema. There a bimodal distribution functional most being severely disabled, but 20 FEV1 within normal range. Among asthma more common psychological important. Economic contributed "invalidity," especially among with FEV1. For 32 57 who had declined some information available from hospital records. findings group similar. little as whole motivation poor. Less than half ever seen chest physician. Specialist assessment before is claimed probably desirable.