Does COPD begin in childhood? Reviewing the evidence

Symposium
Chairs: P. Helms (Aberdeen, United Kingdom), M. Zach (Graz, Austria)
Aims: The natural history, underlying mechanisms and therapeutic responses of non-atopic childhood obstructive airways disease suggest that adult COPD could begin in childhood. This symposium will review the available evidence and the implications for research and disease management.

Introduction on epidemiological evidence for the early onset of COPD P. Helms (Aberdeen, United Kingdom)
Evidence for the onset of COPD in childhood, and the role of genetics N. Barnes (London, United Kingdom)
Passive and active smoking in childhood for COPD C. Svanes (Malaga, Spain)