Assessment of Lung Functions and Factors Affecting in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients

Abstract

Introduction: COPD is a major cause of chronic morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Its prevalence & mortality due to it are increasing day by day. Current prevalence in India is not well understood but condition is worsening. So the aim of present study is to compare and to assess the severity of lung dysfunctions in the patients with COPD & to study the effects of various factors like BMI, BSA, smoking, residence etc. on lung dysfunctions in COPD patients in rural & urban areas of Jamnagar district, Gujarat. Material and Method: Lung functions of 50 COPD patients of various age groups were measured by doing spirometry (Spiro-Analyzer St-90) in stable phase of disease & spirometric parameters are compared with their predicted values. Effects of smoking, BMI, BSA, residence, seasons etc. on severity of COPD were measured. The various data were collected; compiled, statistically analyzed and valid conclusions were drawn. Observation and Results: Study results showed the mean values of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC%, FEF25-75, PEFR and MVV were greatly decreased in COPD patients (more profound in smokers) as compared with their predicted value, which were statistically significant. There was positive correlation of spirometric parameters with BMI and BSA. Majority of patients were in severity grade 2 (46%) and grade 3 (46%) (suggested by ATS). Conclusion: All spirometric parameters were greatly reduced in COPD patients. COPD was more prevalent in urban area and disease was more severe with smoking history & patients with low BMI & BSA values and worsens in winter. So by maintaining proper nutrition we can reduce the severity of the disease.