JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
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Multicenter Study
Association Between Expiratory Central Airway Collapse and Respiratory Outcomes Among Smokers.
Central airway collapse greater than 50% of luminal area during exhalation (expiratory central airway collapse [ECAC]) is associated with cigarette smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, its prevalence and clinical significance are unknown. ⋯ In a cross-sectional analysis of current and former smokers, the presence of ECAC was associated with worse respiratory quality of life. Further studies are needed to assess long-term associations with clinical outcomes.