Abstract

Background: Bronchial asthma is an inflammatory disease also characterized by airflow limitation with a reduced peak expiratory flow (PEF), FEV1, and a low FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC). In contrast with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the airflow limitation is highly reversible either spontaneously or with therapy. Repeated lung function measurements using portable peak flow meters have resulted in improved outcomes. In developing countries, there is a rising prevalence associated with increasing urbanization. The consistent finding of asthmatic airways correlates broadly with the severity of the disease, bronchial hyperreactivity, and reduced lung function. The purpose of our research was to perform spirometric lung function tests and grade the severity of airway obstruction.

Aims and Objectives: This study aimed: (1) To perform spirometric lung function tests and grade the severity of airway obstruction in bronchial asthma and (2) distribution of asthma patients according to body mass index (BMI).

Materials and Methods: The study comprises a total number of 50 bronchial asthma patients of both sexes between the age groups of 13 and 65 years. BMI was calculated in all patients, and spirometric lung function tests were recorded by means of a Helios computerized spirometer. The study variables include FVC, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, PEF rate, and forced expiratory flow (25–75%) were analyzed in all patients. Based on severity predicted by FEV1%, asthma patients were classified into mild, moderate, and severe asthmatics.

Results: The mild group has FEV1% predicted test value of 101.43 ± 12.43 (mean ± standard deviation) compared with the severe group having 45.3 ± 12.6 while the moderate group has 70.5 ± 5.14. Majority of the cases (74%) were in normal BMI category.

Conclusion: FEV1% is important indicator of bronchial asthma severity. The symptoms of asthma have, at their core, obstructive lung impairment, which is detected by lung function tests using spirometry.

Key words: Bronchial Asthma; Computerized Spirometry; Body Mass Index; FEV1%