Testing a screening tool for lung disease in people with other chronic conditions

Researchers want to know if a short questionnaire called the COLA-6 can reliably spot people with chronic lung diseases like COPD and asthma. The study will compare answers from this questionnaire to the gold-standard lung function test (spirometry) in about 859 people who already have other long-term health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. This helps doctors find lung disease early in people who might not realize they have it.

Many people have chronic lung disease but don't know it, especially if they're focused on managing other health conditions. This study wants to develop a quick, easy screening tool that primary care clinics can use to catch lung disease earlier, when treatment can make the biggest difference.