Small airways disease is a pathological feature in mild to moderate COPD, which might be causally involved in disease progression. However, there are only limited studies available that prospectively identified patients at risk for small airway disease. Our intention is to investigate the early phase of the disease. In addition, we thereby want to build up a well-defined study population of patients in an early phase of the disease with a rapid decrease in lung function as measured by oscillometry and multiple breath washout (MBW)-testing. In addition, it is our goal to identify patients in an early stage of disease and patients at risk of fast progression and/or rapid decline in lung function.

patients at risk for COPD

inclusion criteria:

• smoking history (at least 10 pack years)
• absence of airway obstruction (FEV1/FVC ≥ 70% after salbutamol 400µg)
• high symptom score (CAT ≥ 10) or long acting bronchodilator therapy
• age > 35 years

exclusion criteria:

• respiratory infection within 4 weeks prior to inclusion
• other symptomatic pulmonary disease, except bronchial asthma

patients with early COPD

inclusion criteria:

• smoking history (at least 10 pack years)
• mild COPD (FEV1/FVC < 70% and FEV1 ≥ 70% after salbutamol 400µg)
• age > 35 years

exclusion criteria:

• respiratory infection within 4 weeks prior to inclusion
• other pulmonary disease, except bronchial asthma

• patients at risk for COPD with no current diagnosis according to GOLD recommendations
• patients with early COPD with diagnosis according to current GOLD recommendations

data protection rules do not allow to share individual participant data