ASSESSMENT OF SPIROMETRY IN EARLY DETECTION OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
Authors: Dr. Niyati Darji, Dr. Rajendra Dhar
Publication Date: 2026/09/23
DOI: 10.59551/10.59551/IJHMP/25832069/2026.7.2.154
Abstract
<p>Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is frequently diagnosed after clinically important airflow limitation has developed. Spirometry provides objective assessment of airflow and is essential for confirming COPD in the appropriate clinical context. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the Medicine and TB & Chest Departments of National Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Jaipur, from July 2024 to December 2025. One hundred adults aged ≥40 years with COPD and relevant exposure histories were enrolled. Demographic characteristics, smoking history, occupational exposure, respiratory symptoms, pulse oximetry, chest radiography and spirometric parameters were re corded. Spirometry was performed using a calibrated computerized spirometer according to ATS/ERS standards, and airflow limitation was classified using GOLD criteria. Results: The mean age was 46.0±5.9 years and 60% of participants were male. Mean smoking exposure was 24.84±8.00 pack-years. Farmers, factory workers, mechanics, tailors, carpenters and welders were prominent occupational groups. Breathlessness with cough was the most common symptom combination (18%), followed by cough with sputum pro duction (17%). Mean room-air oxygen saturation was 94.81±1.77%. Mean FEV1 was 1.90±0.32 L, FVC 3.66±0.41 L and FEV1/FVC ratio 51.58±3.41%. All participants demonstrated an obstructive spirometric pattern. GOLD stage 2 disease was most common (47%), followed by GOLD stage 1 (28%) and GOLD stage 3 (25%). Conclusion: In this hospital-based cohort of adults with established COPD, spirometry demonstrated substantial airflow limitation, with moderate disease predominating. The findings support the value of quality-controlled spirometry for objective characterization and staging of airflow obstruction in individuals with respiratory symptoms and established risk factors. Broader population screening should be distinguished from targeted case-finding because the present study did not include a non-COPD comparison group.</p>
References
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