Frequency of Common Risk Factors for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of common risk factors for acute exacerbation of COPD at a tertiary care hospital. 
Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study 
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Internal Medicine at Bolan Medical College, Quetta, from April 2024 till September 2024. 
Methods: After obtaining informed written consent, patients were assessed for risk factors of acute exacerbation of COPD, such as asthma, smoking, ischemic heart disease, poor compliance, and seasonal variation, according to the operational definitions. 
Results: A total of 139 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD were included in the study, with 116 males (83.5%) and 23 females (16.5%). The mean age was 51.115 ± 6.893 years. The following risk factors for acute 
exacerbation of COPD were noted: asthma in 50 patients (36%), smoking in 40 patients (28.8%), ischemic heart disease in 14 patients (10.1%), poor compliance in 26 patients (18.7%), and seasonal variation in 38 patients 
(27.3%). 
Conclusion: Asthma, seasonal variation, and smoking were identified as the most common risk factors for acute exacerbation of COPD. These factors were more prevalent with increasing age, predominantly among the rural population and male patients.