CHALLENGES OF TREATMENT IN THE RESPIRATORY INTENSIVE CARE UNIT IN THE POSTCOVID PERIOD

Abstract

Introduction: The concept of unified airway disease was recognized decades ago in asthma patients. Recent researches have indicated the presence and importance of rhinitis symptoms in COPD patients. Objective: The aim was to evaluate the impact of rhinitis symptoms on COPD severity and exacerbations. Material and methods: The prospective study included 49 patients, 24 (48,98%) female and 25 (51,02%) male, aged 66,49±7,461 years. The severity of COPD was determined by spirometric parameter FEV1%. The CAT questionnaire (COPD Assessment Test) was used to assess the COPD symptoms severity. The eosinophils were verified by blood count analysis, and the rhinitis symptoms were verified by SNOT-22 (Sino-nasal Outcome Test) questionnaire. Results: The rhinitis symptoms were found in 75,51% (37) of patients. A statistically significant differences in the total SNOT-22 score, the rhinological, extranasal/rhinological and auditory/facial domains of this questionnaire and blood eosinophilia in relation to the presence of rhinitis symptoms were observed (p<0,05). Correlation analysis confirmed a statistically significant relationship between the CAT and SNOT-22 scores (r=0,001; p<0,05), blood eosinophilia and the auditory/facial and psychological domains of SNOT-22 and its total score (r=0,05; r =0,024; r=0,011; p<0,05). Statistically significant correlation between the extranasal/rhinological domain and hospital exacerbations was also observed (r=0,038; p<0,05), as well as eosinophilia and the hospital exacerbations (r=0,019; p<0,05). The correlation between FEV1% and SNOT-22 score was not proven (r=0,183; p>0,05). Conclusion: The rhinitis symptoms significantly affects the expression of COPD symptoms and hospital exacerbations. Blood eosinophilia significantly affects the rhinitis symptoms and increases the risk of hospital exacerbations