Quality of life in asthmatic patients and in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from Mazowsze and Lublin Province

Abstract

Introduction. Holistic approach to disease is strongly associated with assessment of patients’ quality of life. It is particularly important in chronic diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recently physical, psychological and social problems of patients with asthma and COPD have been discussed more often.

Aim of study. The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life of patients with astma and COPD.

Material and methodology. 100 patients with diagnosed asthma and COPD, 50% of person had asthma recognized and the remaining 50% patients with COPD, aged from 27 to 86, were included into the study between April 2008 and June 2009 at the Specialist Hospital in Międzylesie and Physiopulmonological out-patient Clinic of Specialist Hospital of Biała Podlaska. Quality of life was assessed with the use of St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ).When studying the data, descriptive statistics was applied.

The results and conclusions. It was reported that on quality of life among patients having asthma and COPD and there are differences in quality of life among patients. The research indicates that quality of life is impaired and differences between researched groups occur. Over the past 3 months, it has of breathlessness was noticed in 70% of the researched, cough was tiring for almost everyone, and more than a half patients displayed several days a week. More than ¾ the researched had very unpleasant attacks of chest trouble. More than 80% of the researched the chest disease caused quite a lot of problems, and over 50% of the researched had to get a stop work altogether or chest trouble interferes with the work and made change of the work.