A cross-sectional study to find out the co-morbidities of asthma in adult patients in a tertiary care hospital at Eastern India

Abstract

Introduction: This cross-sectional institution based observational study aims to find out the common co-morbidities of asthma. The co-morbidities of asthma are well described in literature. The Global initiative for Asthma (GINA) also advocates about prompt diagnosis and proper management asthma and its co-morbidities.  Presence of co-morbidity increases morbidity and mortality. The management of asthma is inadequate without proper management of its co-morbidities. Asthma is one of the leading causes worldwide for morbidity and mortality. The health expenditure for uncontrolled asthma is grave. So, a proper study was required for finding out the co-morbidities of asthma and to understand the complex interaction between asthma and its co-morbidity.
Materials & Methods:  This study was conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital, Durgapur, West Bengal. The study done between December 2019 to November 2020, over a period of one year. It was a cross sectional observational, institution-based study. The study population was patients attending the hospital with the complaints of asthma. The sample size for this study was 90. Patients diagnosed by spirometry with reversibility tests were included in this study. Proper history, general physical examination and respiratory system examinations were done. To confirm the comorbidity, patients were sent to the concerned specialty. The result of this study was tabulated in a scientific way. The results were expressed in percentage.
Results: Total 90 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 48.2 years, Male 52 and female 38. Among the comorbidities reported, sinusitis was present in 49(54.4%) patients, obesity was present in 38(42.2%) patients, 40(44.4%) patients were suffering from GERD, psychological disturbances was found in 22(24.4%) patients, vocal cord dysfunction was present in 18(20%) patients, obstructive sleep apnea was reported in 27(30%) patients, 5(5.5%) patients had underlying bronchiectasis,  atopic dermatitis was found in 9(10%) patients while recurrent respiratory Infection was noted in 13(14.4%) patients.
Conclusion: Co-morbidities are associated with poor asthma control. Although their presence may vary over different geographical region, treating physician should try to find out the comorbidities. Comorbidities adversely affect asthma management. Proper diagnosis and management are necessary for optimum asthma control.