Prevalence of asthma COPD overlap (ACO) in COPD patients

Abstract

Background: Asthma and COPD are the most common chronic respiratory diseases, affecting over 500 million people globally and resulting in enormous morbidity and rising health-care costs. These disorders are often encountered in clinical practise and frequently coexist.Objectives: To study the occurrence of Asthma COPD overlap in COPD patients.Methods: Significant reversibility was seen in 18% of the cases, No reversibility was seen in 32% of the cases and no significant reversibility was seen in 50% of the cases. Around 50 patients with COPD with included. A detailed clinical history was obtained which included demographic, Past history and Symptomology. The PFT, Chest X-ray and Absolute eosinophil count was obtained.Results: Significant reversibility was seen in 18% of the cases, No reversibility was seen in 32% of the cases and no significant reversibility was seen in 50% of the cases. Exacerbator with emphysema was seen in 30% of the cases, exacerbator with chronic bronchitis and Asthma with COPD overlap was seen in 24% of the cases.Conclusion: When compared to asthma and COPD alone, ACO has a rapid deterioration in lung function, more frequent exacerbations, increased health-care resource usage, a deteriorating quality of life, and a higher mortality rate. By changing the line of care and diagnosing ACO early on, one can avoid exacerbation and morbidity.