A comparison of extrapulmonary features in patients with asthma and healthy individuals

Abstract

Background: There are a few studies investigating extrapulmonary manifestations of asthma. The purpose of this study was to compare extrapulmonary features between patients with asthma and healthy subjects. Methods: Twenty-six patients with asthma (39.69±13.07 years) and 26 healthy subjects (40.65±8.71 years) participated in the study. Pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory pressure and maximal expiratory pressure), and dyspnea perception using the Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (MMRC) were determined. A six-minute walk test (6MWT) was performed. Quadriceps muscle strength was measured using a hand held dynamometer. Fatigue perception and quality of life were evaluated using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and asthma specific quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ). Physical activity was assessed using International Physical Activity Questionnare (IPAQ). Results: The FEV1, inspiratory muscle strength, dominant and non-dominant side knee extensors' muscle strength and functional capacity of patients with asthma were significantly lower than those of the healthy subjects' (p 0.05). Dyspnea and fatigue perception of patients with asthma were significantly higher than those of healthy subjects' (p<0.05). Conclusions: Peripheral and inspiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, fatigue and dyspnea perception and quality of life were affected by the illness. These results will be a good guide in terms of planning studies which research the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation programs for patients with asthma.