Intensity of COPD symptoms in comparison with spirometry parameters

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common illnesses which occurs globally. In 2018 it was the third cause of death. Growing incidence of COPD in Poland causes crucial social, economic and individual consequences. Spirometry is a test which allows detecting COPD on its early stage, states its severity and also predicting forthcoming course of this illness. Along with FEV1, FVC is a standard parameter to check airways obstruction. Early detection of the disease before the first symptoms leads to successful treatment. Nevertheless, patients usually arrive to be examined, when the symptoms intensity of COPD influence their normal existence. The aim of the study was to analyze intensity of symptoms of COPD in the correlation with FEV1 and FEV1/FVC spirometry parameters. Materials and methods The study was conducted in the specialist respiratory care clinic. The study group consisted of 68 patients over 50 year’s old suffering from moderate to severe COPD. Documentation analysis and diagnostic search was applied in the study. As far as the research tool is concerned CAT questionnaire has been used, which allows to estimate the intensity of the symptoms and how they affect everyday life of the patients and their state of well-being. Spirometry testing has been performed according to ERS standards with the use of MES Lung test 1000. Statistical analysis has been conducted with the use of ANOVA test. Results As far as the question in the CAT concerning sleeping disorders resulted from symptoms of COPD statistically significant differences were found in FEV1/FVC and FEV1 values. (anova, F3, 66 = 4,556 i 4,169 respectively, p<0,01). Regarding FEV1/FVC and FEV1 values, clinically significant differences have been shown among women who stated in the CAT questionnaire they had minor problems with sputum excretion. (test t-student, t16= 2,746 i 2,279 respectively, p<0,05). Conclusions Evaluating intensity of the symptoms in the course of COPD in the study group, most of the problems were caused by effort dyspnea, cough and difficulties in everyday activities. Men, among whom the symptoms of disease cause the sleeping disorders have lower values of FEV1 than women. Sputum excretion has crucial influence on lowering FEV1 and FEV1/FVC.