SPUTUM NEUTROPHILIA IN ACUTE EXACERBATION OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

Abstract

Background : Asthma is a common respiratory condition that affects an estimated 358 million people worldwide. Neutrophilic asthma is an asthma inflammatory phenotype associated with exacerbation,airflow limitation,and steroid resistance. Objective : The aim of the study was to observe the severity of Bronchial asthma in patients with Sputum Neutrophilia .Methods:This is a prospective cross sectional study by Department of Pulmonary Medicine including 50 patients with Acute Exacerbation of Bronchial Asthma as determined by ACQ. Results: Patients with sputum neutrophilia were seen to have higher ACQ scores,poor bronchodilator reversibility ,low expiratory volumes and poor response to inhaled corticosteroids with a higher risk of exacerbation.The correlation between sputum Neutrophilia and Bronchodilator reversibility using spirometry is statistically significant(p value = 0.0001) with a greater incidence of hospitalization for asthma.Conclusion:Neutrophilic asthma is associated with less atopy and these patients have lower levels of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), greater incidence of hospitalization for asthma and higher incidence of steroid resistance.Sputum neutrophilia has a positive correlation with smoking and is more often seen in older males