Study of pulmonary function tests in patients with bronchial asthma

Abstract

Asthma is a dysfunction of the respiratory system, characterized by wheeze, shortness of breath, late night or early morning cough, tightness in the chest and expiratory wheezing. Along with increased urbanisation, prevalence of asthma is increasing in the developing countries. Pulmonary function tests are done to access the changes in the respiratory system and its function. Our study was conducted to record and compare pulmonary function test parameters like FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, PEFR in patients of bronchial asthma and non asthmatics. 150 individuals (males and females) were selected in the age group of 18years to 35 years. 75 (study group) were previously diagnosed cases of asthma, and 75(control group) were age matched non asthmatic healthy individuals. Spirometry was then performed and three consecutive readings were recorded and the best among them was taken for each for FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, PEFR. The statistical analysis was done using MS Office Excel 2007 and SPSS 20. Students’ t-tests were performed. Our study showed decreased lung function parameters in asthma patients as compared to controls. FEV1, FEV1% and PEFR were significantly low in asthmatics. Keywords: Bronchial asthma, Pulmonary function tests.