Determination of forced expiratory volume (FEV 1) and maximal peak expiratory flow within the scope of routine diagnosis in general practice

In 5 Viennese general practice offices we investigated patients by spirometry with the following indications: differential diagnosis of dyspnea; every 3rd smoker of more than 10 cigarettes a day (including asymptomatic ones); cough and nasal disorders of more than 4 weeks duration; indicative physical findings (cyanosis or auscultation). The sample control group was matched for age and gender and did not have any symptoms characteristic of the indication group. Nevertheless a spirometric test was also carried out in these patients. A total of 212 patients were examined in 4673 consultations on 202 workdays in the 5 offices. In the group of 109 patients 62 (56.9%) had dyspnea and/or positive signs on auscultation. Of these 62 patients 39 (62.9%) had 1 or more positive findings either from PEF or FEV 1 or both. There were significantly more referrals for X-rays in case of abnormal lung function. The control group of 103 obviously healthy persons in particular showed a significantly higher number of abnormal PEF values than expected (31 persons, 30.1%).