USEFULNESS OF PULSE OXIMETRY IN ASSESSMENT OF DYSPNOEA IN ASTHMA

Abstract

This study was carried out to find usefulness of pulse oximetry in assessment of dyspnoea patients with asthma. Methods: This study was carried out at Baqai Medical University Teaching Hospital. Fifty-three patients, 28 males and 25 females, suffering from asthma with age ranging between 16 to 70 years were included. They were subjected to Pulse Oximetry before and after the bronchodilator treatment when presented with acute dyspnoea. Simultaneous recording of spirometry was also done. Results: Mean oxygen saturation (SaO2) increased from 93.11±4.33 to 95.17±3.59 percent (p<0.0001) as dyspnoea improved after bronchodilator treatment. Mean FVC increased from 1.81±0.84 to 2.21±0.92 L (p<0.01). Mean FEV1 increased from 1.21±0.73 to 1.62±0.85 L (p<0.01). Mean PEFR increased from 1.67±1.07 to 2.31±1.28 L/min (p<0.0001). Mean percentage ratio (FEV1/FVC) increased from 66.47±18.01 to 71.19±16.47 percent (p<0.0001). The correlation was found between SaO2 and FEV1, FVC and PEFR with R2=0.1149, R2=0.2487 and R2=0.3193 respectively. Conclusion: Pulse Oximetry like spirometry is reliable for assessment of dyspnoea. Both are correlated. Pulse oximetry has value in assessment of dyspnoea in asthma.