Abstract
Introduction: Many aspects of airway functions are controlled by autonomic nerves. Bronchospasm, airway edema and excessive mucus secretion may occur due to abnormality in autonomic regulation of airways. All these events lead to airway obstruction in bronchial asthma. Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the autonomic functions between bronchial asthma patients and normal controls. Materials and Methods: As per American Thoracic Society guidelines thirty bronchial asthma patients in the age group of 18-50 years were chosen. Thirty age and sex matched controls were chosen for comparison. Standardized autonomic function tests were done. Statistical analysis was done using students unpaired t’ test. Results: Significantly higher basal heart rate was found in asthmatics in comparison with controls. Parasympathetic function tests showed significantly higher values in asthmatics compared with controls. Statistically significant difference is also found in the sympathetic function tests between asthmatics and normal controls. Conclusion: Our study shows that autonomic dysfunction is present in asthmatic patients. Parasympathic activity is enhanced in asthmatics, thus supporting the hypothesis of enhanced parasympathetic reactivity as an integral factor in pathophysiology of bronchial asthma. Keywords: Bronchial asthma, Autonomic dysfunction, Parasympathetic tests, Sympathetic tests.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.