There are no representative population studies to date on the prevalence and risk factors of chronic bronchitis, asthma and asthma-like symptoms in the Turkish population. This cross-sectional survey aims to establish the prevalence information related to the above listed respiratory outcomes as well as examining the risk factors associated with these conditions. Data were collected as a part of the Istanbul Respiratory Symptoms Survey through administration of a standardized screening questionnaire. The randomized sample was designed to represent adult household representatives in two district populations of Istanbul with different ambient air pollution exposure levels. The results from the analyses of the data set indicate that after controlling for all confounders, current levels of smoking, childhood pneumonia, occupational dust exposure and workdays longer than eight hours had a strong predictive effect for an outcome of chronic bronchitis. The risk factors differed for male and female subjects. For males the effects of crowding as a socioeconomic status indicator, occupational dust exposure, work days longer than eight hours, current levels of smoking and childhood pneumonia were strongest for chronic bronchitis. Junior high school or high school education as well as being currently employed had a protective effect on chronic bronchitis outcome. Among women only current level of smoking was a significant predictor of chronic bronchitis. The risk factors for asthma-like symptoms were: fur-bearing pets in the home, self reported hay fever, dyspnea (grade II and III), body-mass index, current smoking levels, childhood pneumonia and diagnosed asthma. Among women, being born in Istanbul had a protective effect over the outcome of AS. The risk factors for ECRHS asthma were current levels of smoking, being of age 31–44, dyspnea, hay fever, sleep apnea, wood heaters in the home and previous occupational dust exposure while controlling for demographic variables. The asthma and chronic bronchitis outcomes in our study population should be examined further in a follow up study using a comprehensive main questionnaire and pulmonary function tests.