Rinsho byori. The Japanese journal of clinical pathology
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Airflow obstruction is the most important pathophysiologic factor in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although the prevalence of airflow obstruction has been increasing worldwide, airflow obstruction is often under-recognized in clinical practice because of insufficient use of spirometry. The aim of the present study was to identify unrecognized airflow obstruction in cases with lifestyle-related diseases using a data mining system that we have developed for use with electronic medical records. ⋯ Latent COPD patients with airflow obstruction are highly prevalent, not only in those over 70 years of age with lifestyle-related diseases, but also in middle-aged patients. Spirometry should be widely used for patients with lifestyle-related diseases and a history of smoking, to effectively detect undiagnosed COPD.