LUNG FUNCTION PATTERN IN ASTHMA PATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY FACILITY IN LAGOS

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Spirometry is recommended in the assessment of respiratory diseases. It is a useful tool in the assessment of airway function particularly in asthma patients.   We aim to describe the observed patterns of spirometry findings among asthma patients attending a tertiary facility in Lagos.
Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Patients performed spirometry during the study to assess for patterns. Categorical variables (e.g., gender, BMI) were summarized as frequencies (%) and compared using the chi square tests or the Wilcoxon’s rank test. IBM SPSS software was used to analyse data.
Results: A total 200 patients participated in the study. The mean age was 40.57 ± 15.86 years. There were 52% males and 48% of females. Spirometry patterns were: normal-22%; obstructive-30%; restrictive-5%; mixed-37%.
Conclusion: Spirometry is a useful non-invasive tool in the evaluation of asthma patients and it’s recommended for their evaluation in every tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

Keywords: Asthma, spirometry, lung function, forced expiratory volume, forced vital capacity