Study of Prevalence of Obstructive Lung Disease

Abstract

BACKGROUND The aim of the study is to study the prevalence of obstructive lung diseases like COPD, Bronchitis and Bronchial Asthma in Community Health Center, Haliyal. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was undertaken in Community Health Center, Haliyal. This was a prospective study. Duration of study was nearly one year from December 2015 to March 2017. All patients with symptoms of obstructive lung disease were involved in the study. Patients with COPD with history of pulmonary tuberculosis were also involved in the study. RESULTS During study period of nearly one year, 508 cases of obstructive lung disease were detected; out of which 312 were male while 196 were female patients. When compared to total patients examined during this period, the prevalence of COLD was 3.4%. Out of 508 cases, 406 cases were of chronic bronchitis, 95 patients of COPD and 7 patients had history of bronchial asthma. In our study, out of 508 patients 375 (74%) had history of smoking bidis and cigarette. Out of 406 chronic bronchitis patients, 5 had history of pulmonary tuberculosis, while out of 95 COPD patients, 7 had history of pulmonary tuberculosis i.e. out of 508 patients total 12 patients (1.4%) had history of tuberculosis. CONCLUSION Prevalence of COLD in our study was 3.4%. In our study, smoking was main risk factor, 74% of patients had history of smoking, while direct and indirect exposure to industrial products in sugarcane industry in Haliyal was second important risk factor in 375 patients. 12 patients who had previous history of tuberculosis progressed to development of COLD. Yet interstitial lung disease secondary to exposure to industrial (sugarcane) risk factors remains unconfirmed due to lack of facility and economical constraint as CT could not be done.