A study of clinical profile of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable and treatable disease. Tobacco, smoking, occupational exposure to organic and inorganic dusts, chemical agents and fumes and biomass cooking are the risk factors for COPD. Chronic dyspnoea, cough, sputum production, wheezing and chest tightness are the common symptoms of COPD. Aim: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical profile of COPD patients in central India. Methods: This was a prospective study of 250 patients of COPD who presented to out- patient department. Spirometry was performed to confirm the diagnosis. Detailed history of risk factors, age, socio-economic status and clinical examination was done for every patient. Results: Out of the 250 patients, majority was between 40-60 years of age, with male predominance (75.6%). Prevalence of COPD was more in rural and low socio-economic status patients. History of smoking was present in 65.2% patients. Commonest symptom was dyspnoea (in 96.4% patients) followed by cough (76.8%), sputum production (59.9%), wheezing (42.8%), chest tightness and fever (26.8%) and weight loss (19.2%). Hypertension was present in 18.8% patients. Conclusions: Prevalence of COPD was seen predominantly in male patients. Tobacco smoking was the commonest etiological factor.