Smoking, Respiratory Symptoms, and Diseases

Bronchitic symptoms were more common in Finland than in Sweden, and the difference remained also after correction for demographic variables including smoking habits, age and socioeconomic group, and family history of obstructive airway disease.

Abstract

Bronchitic symptoms were more common in Finland. The difference remained also after correction for demographic variables including smoking habits, age and socioeconomic group, and family history of obstructive airway disease. Identical methods, sample composition, and the high participation rate contribute to the validity of the results. Air pollution, including environmental tobacco smoke, may contribute to the difference. To explain the difference, further analysis and investigations of social and environmental factors as well as genetic factors are needed.