To assess activity-related dyspnea in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the world. COPD is a growing global health concern affecting over 300 million people worldwide and contributing to ~3 million deaths every year. COPD being a respiratory disorder affects the daily routine activities of people and causes immobilization and makes them bedridden due to dyspnea causing activity limitation. This study aimed to assess this activity-related dyspnea in COPD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among COPD patients. Patients were assessed based on a detailed history, thorough clinical examination, chest X-ray, sputum for Ziehl–Neelsen staining, and electrocardiogram to fulfill the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Furthermore, spirometry, Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea scale, COPD assessment test (CAT) score, and Borg's scale were used to assess the activity-related dyspnea grading. RESULTS: Among 110 participants, the mean age was 57.51 ± 10.86 years with equal gender distribution. The majority of participants (33.6%) showed mMRC grade II dyspnea and medium range CAT category and obstructive pattern on spirometry (92.7%). Hence, there was a linear correlation between the CAT score and the mMRC dyspnea score. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, we can conclude that these patients' activities of daily living should be examined, and patients should be directed by a complete multidisciplinary team to offer them better advice to prevent, diagnose, and early treatment of dyspnea.