Analysis of lung function tests at a teaching hospital

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Respiratory Physiology

Background:

• Respiratory diseases pose a significant health burden globally.
• Accurate diagnosis and classification of respiratory conditions are crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of obstructive, restrictive, and combined respiratory diseases.
• To analyze the proportions of these conditions in patients referred to respiratory units.
• To investigate potential associations with patient demographics.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of lung function test (LFT) data.
• Data collected from patients referred to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).
• Spirometry used to assess lung volumes and parameters.

Main Results:

• Obstructive lung disease was most prevalent (25.5%), followed by restrictive (14.8%) and combined (11.7%).
• Obstructive disease more common in obese patients and those aged 35+.
• Restrictive and combined diseases more common in underweight patients and those under 35.
• No significant sex-based differences observed in respiratory disease prevalence.

Conclusions:

• Obstructive lung disease is the predominant respiratory ailment among referred patients at KBTH.
• Demographic factors like age and weight influence the type of respiratory disease.
• Findings highlight the need for targeted diagnostic and management strategies.