Study of vitamins, antioxidant and trace elements on various spirometric parameters and quality of life in patients of bronchial asthma

Abstract

Introduction: Imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defence mechanism produce oxidative stress which further augments and aggravates airway inflammation in asthma. The objective of this study is to find out the effect of antioxidants, trace elements supplementation on pulmonary functions and quality of life in asthmatics. Material and Methods: A prospective, interventional study was conducted in the department of Respiratory Medicine, K.G.M.U., Lucknow. 84 newly diagnosed patients of asthma were recruited. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups using lottery system. One group (A) were given only anti-asthmatic treatment while other group (B) received vitamin, antioxidant, trace element supplementation along with anti-asthmatic treatment. Spirometric parameters (FEV 1 %) and quality of life were assessed at baseline and at regular intervals and the results were compared between the groups. Results: In our study, males (58.33%) outnumbered females (41.67%). Maximum number of cases were in the age group 18-30 (39.29%) followed by 31-40 (25.00%). Mean age of patients was 35.9 ± 13.64 years. Mean ± SD of FEV 1 % in group A was 72.3 ± 2.7 while in group B it was 72.7 ± 2.9, which showed that there was no statistically significant difference in spirometric parameters post treatment between the two groups (p= 0.3734). Similarly, quality of life also showed insignificant results (total score, p=0.1141). Conclusion:From the results of our study, it was concluded that there was no additional benefit of vitamins, antioxidant, trace elements supplementation on pulmonary functions and quality of life in asthmatic patients.