European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: The evolution of knowledge concerning COPD and its components Emphysema, Chronic bronchitis, and Asthmatic bronchitis covers over 200 years. In the meantime not a single delineation has been established differentiate between these mechanisms. Confusion still persists in this study, we aim to assess using the pulmonary functions tests, and radiological knowledge, whether the phenotypes of COPD - Asthma, can be distinguished or not. This may also lead to identification of risk, early diagnosis, proper prognosis and specific treatment of the patients between chronic bronchitis and Emphysema.
Material methods: The present study is a prospective, observational, hospital based study conducted on 110 pre diagnosed patients on basis of complete clinical evaluation including a detailed history, thorough clinical examination, X-ray and pulmonary function testing were considered.
Results: 36(94.7%) patients of Emphysema had x-ray picture of Emphysema as already described in review of literature, whereas majority of chronic bronchitis patients 18(94.7%) and asthma patients 30(96.7%) had picture of bronchitis on chest X-ray. Majority of asthma patients 19(61%) and chronic bronchitis patients 9(47.3%) had FEV1 of grade-2, whereas majority of Emphysema patients 17(44.7%)   had FEV1 of grade-3 and 16(42.1%) had grade-4 FEV1. Majority of asthma patients 29(93.5%) had significant post bronchodilator FEV1 change, whereas majority of Emphysema patients 35(92.1%) and chronic bronchitis patients 19(100%) had no significant post bronchodilator reversibility, showing asthma to be a reversible disorder
Conclusion: Thus a Radiological and pulmonary function testing variance plays a crucial role in demarcating Asthma and COPD patients providing a milestone towards better prognosis.