Clinicospirometric profile of COPD patients presenting to tertiary care center in Vadodara, Gujarat

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is heterogeneous lung condition presenting with chronic respiratory symptoms. Pathogenesis of the disease process includes exposure to noxious particles and gases starting accelerated inflammation. Individual genetic make-up and environmental factors play role in disease process. COPD shows persistent airflow limitation affecting airways and alveoli. They can be affected individually or at the same time. Hence, each patient experiences COPD as a different amalgamation of bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and emphysema. We set to find out individualized clinical profiles in COPD for same reason. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to build a clinical and spirometric profile of diagnosed COPD patients presenting to a tertiary health care center in Vadodara. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of records 425 COPD patients was conducted. Relevant clinical data were collected from excel sheet along with spirometric findings. Results: Average age of presentation was 58.10 years. Lowest age was 40 years. Out of 425 patients, 352 (82%) were males and 73 (18%) were females. Out of total, 263 (62%) were smokers and 162 (38%) non-smokers. Most common presenting symptom was cough with expectoration in 423 (99.5%) patients followed by breathlessness in 412 (96.9%), fever in 148 (34.8%), and pedal edema in 38 (8.9%). Average forced expiratory volume in 1s at presentation was 43.27 L/min. Out of total admissions, 61 (14.3%) were classified as very severe, 249 (58.5%) as severe, and 115 (27%) as moderate according to COPD Global initiative for obstructive lung diseases severity classification. Conclusion: COPD is considered as disease of old age and associated with smoking, our study showed more than one-fourth of the population as non-smoker. To avoid under-diagnosis, COPD should be considered in younger age group and non-smokers.