Background and objective:

The prevalence of main respiratory symptoms in Ginebra (Valle del Cauca) is unknown. This study aimed to investigate dyspnea, cough, wheezes and expectoration in Ginebra a Town of Colombia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional design and a random, conglomerates-sampling strategy were used to provide representative samples of adults aged > 40 years. Each participant was interviewed with two questionnaires, validated Spanish version of the Ferris Respiratory Questionnaire and Lung Function Questionnaire (LFQ), of the latter, and a score less or equal 18 points was considered with risk of obstructive airflow. Analysis was performed using statistical software, sample size of 115 subjects (prevalence 50%, precision 10% and lost percentage 20%), the variables quantitative were summarized with frequencies and percentages, and the variables qualitative in Median and range interquartile, the prevalence of respiratory symptoms was calculated with CI95%, exploratory analysis were made with respiratory symptoms variables and exposure antecedents.

Results:

146 participants, with 2 missing, Median of age 60,5 years (IQR: 22), 52,1% men, prevalence of cough 18,1% (CI95%: 11,8-24,3), expectoration 20,1% (IC95%:13,9-27,1), wheezes 28,2% (IC95%:21,1-35,9), dyspnea 33,3% (CI95%:25-41), subjects with risk of airflow obstruction 19,4% (CI95%:14,2-28,4). Exploratory analysis showed relationship between package-year index and cough (p=0,008), wood smoke exposure and cough (p=0,008), package-year index and expectoration (p=0,018), wheezes and smoking exposure (p=0,047), dyspnea and coronary disease (p=0,028), and dyspnea and arterial hypertension (p=0,037).

Conclusion:

Dyspnea is the respiratory symptom more frequent in Ginebra (Valle del Cauca), the antecedent of smoking was relationship with cough and wheezes. Using a questionnaire of respiratory symptoms can be useful to identify patients with risk of airflow obstruction, when is compared with the auto-report of respiratory disease.

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