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Abstract

Objective: To assess asthma and COPD by vital parameters and spirometricvariables.Design: A prospective study was carried out at Baqai Medical University teachingHospital from May 2002 to December 2002.Method: 53 patients (28 males and 25 females) with 16 to 70 years of age suffering from COPD were included. Recording of vital parameters was done before and after the bronchodilator treatment when they presented with acute dyspnoea. Simultaneous Spirometry was also doneResult: The mean pulse rate in 53 cases decreased from 99.49 per minute ±15.58SD to 88.5 ± 11.59SD (p<0.01). The mean respiratory rate decreased from 28.15 per minute ± 5.52SD to 23.49 ± 5.19 SD (p<0.01). The mean systolic blood pressure decreased from 126.79 mmHg ± 21.73 SD to 120.38 ± 16.17 SD (p<0.01). The mean diastolic BP decreased from 80.75 mmHg ± 11.70 SD to 78.65 ± 9.56 SD mmHg (P >0.05). Mean FVC increased from 1.81Liter ± 0.84SD to 2.21 ± 0.92SD (p<0.01). Mean FEV1 increased from 1.21Liter ± 0.73SD to 1.62 ± 0.85SD (p<0.01). Mean PEF increased from 1.67Liter ± 1.07SD to 2.31 ± 1.28SD (p<0.01). Mean percentage ratio (FEV1 / FVC) increased from 66.47% ± 18.01SD to 71.19 ± 16.47 SD (p<0.01).Conclusion: The vital parameters and spirometry both are valuable not only inassessment of asthma and COPD but also in monitoring progress afterbronchodilator therapy in patients suffering from asthma and COPD.