Comparison of Spirometrical Variables in Patients with Asthma and COPD

Introduction and background COPD is characterized by airflow limitation and the diagnosis is suggested by history and physical examination and is confirmed by spirometry where there is low FEV1 level where there is no significant reversibility in respond to bronchodilators. Asthma is an inflammatory disease also characterized by airflow limitation, but in contrast with COPD, the airflow limitation is highly reversible either with therapy or spontaneously. The residual volume and total lung capacities are increased in most cases. Individuals with COPD have more frequent acute chest illnesses that invariably decrease lung function for at least 3 months. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder causing recurrent episodes of variable degrees of wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness, and cough. The inflammation also causes an associate increase in the existing bronchial hyper responsiveness to different stimuli. Aim To compare the spirometry results in patients with COPD and asthma. Method Twenty subjects (ten with COPD and ten with asthma) underwent pulmonary function test (spirometry, DLCO [in COPD patients]). The study was non experimental and observational study where ten patients were taken each for COPD and asthma in non-randomized manner. Results COPD subjects had increased TLC %, RV/TLC % along with increased severity of airflow limitation (decreased FEV1 %, FVC %, FEV1/FVC %) and no significant reversibility in post bronchodilator test. Asthmatics had near normal FVC (so DLCO not done), and reduced FEV1 %, FEV1/FVC %. Post bronchodilator reversibility was not significant for all subjects but diagnosis was done on the basis of family history and symptoms. Conclusion Overall lung function is poorer in COPD than asthma in spite of the lesser duration of illness in the former.