ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To examine the frequency of proper use of inhalation devices and influence of age and training on it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and five subjects of bronchial asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD); aged between 18 to 75 y (mean ± SD; 46 ± 28.55) were studied. Subjects were enrolled over a period of three months. Data like weight, height and concomitant medications were recorded. It was an observational and questionnaire based study. Parameters were chosen to demonstrate the inhalational technique, errors committed in different steps of use & nature of medical, paramedical, nursing personals and others imparting training for use of inhaler device and time devoted for it. RESULTS: Of total 105 patients, 31 were using dry powdered inhalers (DPI), 50 on metered dose inhalers (MDI), and 24 on MDI with spacer devices. Among study population 83.81% were trained by healthcare professionals (doctors, nurse, pharmacists, paramedical or representatives of Pharmaceutical companies) and 16.19% are trained by general people. Among the MDI users (n=50) only 6%, 16.12% among the DPI users, 20.8%, among MDI with spacer users could use inhalers correctly. At 95% confidence limit there was significance of errors committed between DPI and MDI users (difference of SE is 2.56) and between spacer and MDI users (difference of SE 2.92). There was no difference found in regard of frequency of errors committed in taking different devices according to patient's socioeconomic, educational background and trainer. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that use of MDI with spacer most convenient method. Doctors often did not have sufficient time to train patients regarding proper technique of inhaler use. With ever increasing and widespread use of inhalers patients' education is becoming more important. Proper training will surely make these drugs more effective and cost benefit ratio more favourable.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Association between obesity and asthma has been reported widely, with disparity between males and females. Epidemiological data which indicate that obesity precedes development of asthma and increases the prevalence and incidence of asthma, raises the possibility of a causal association. AIM: To find out the association, including gender differences, between Body Mass Index (BMI) and lung functions in non-asthmatics identified by spirometric protocols. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of the spirometry results obtained between October 2012 and March 2013 for six months. Participants were referred by a variety of medical specialties to the pulmonary function laboratory in Physiology department, R.G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata, India of the 590 test results recorded in the study database 424 non-asthmatic subjects were reviewed. RESULTS: Significant differences in the spirometric parameters, measured as a percentage of predicted were evident between male and female. Among obese subjects significant correlation is found between BMI and pulmonary function values, FEV1(r = -0.531, p=0.009); FEF25-75% (r= -0.653, p=0.001); FEV1/FVC (r= - 0.603, p=0.002). Significant association was found between BMI and lung function in obese female but not in obese male. CONCLUSION: Association was found between indices of spirometry and BMI in non-asthmatic obese group along with a gender disparity.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: There are so many complications involving eyes, kidneys, lungs and nerves associated with diabetes. But, pulmonary complications are poorly characterized among eastern Indian diabetic populations. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess pulmonary function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. To find out correlation of the pulmonary functions test variables with Glycemic control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total of 60 type 2 diabetes patient of age between 35-55 y and same number of age and sex matched apparently healthy control individual were included in the present study. All subjects were evaluated for PFT by flow sensitive spirometer (RMS HELIOS-401), the spirometric parameters were measured as a percentage of predicted and DLCO (by single breath technique). HBA1c of all cases were measured and they were grouped according to HBA1c level (Group-a =>7%, Group-b =6%-7%, Group-c =<6%). RESULTS: Significant differences in the spirometric parameters (FVC, FEV1/FVC) and diffusion capacity (DLCO% and DL/VA%) existed between cases and controls. There was a significant decrease in FVC, DLCO and DL/VA and significant increase in FEV1/FVC in that groups having HBA1c level >7% than the other groups. FEV1, FVC, DLCO, and DL/VA were negatively correlated with HbA1c where as FEV1/FVC has positive association with HbA1c. CONCLUSION: Significant deterioration of lung function and diffusing capacity was observed in type 2 diabetes patients with poor glycemic control.
