Evaluation of respiratory Failure in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease

Objectives: - The aim of the present study is to evaluate the clinical profile, investigations, treatment protocol and the response to the therapy in patient of COPD presenting with Respiratory failure. Materials and Methods: - All those patient with COPD with respiratory failure admitted in IPD in department of Respiratory Medicine R. D. Gardi Medical College Ujjain included in the study. Patients were evaluated by a detailed history, clinical examination, chest radiograph, arterial blood gas analysis and relevant blood investigation and were put on treatment. All the information was written in a proforma and the results were analysed. Results: - Majority of the patients were males (83.3%) with mean age of 65 years. In our study, the most common risk factor for COPD with respiratory failure was found to be smoking (80%). Nearly 70% cases were having type 2 respiratory failure. The main causes of exacerbations were bronchospasm(88.3%) and secondary infection (68.4%). 65% of the patients were discharged on room air with medical treatment, 23.3% patients were discharge on home oxygen with medical treatment, 3.33% patients discharged on NIV along with medical treatment and 5 patients died during hospitalization. Conclusion: - It is very important to take holistic approach toward COPD patient with respiratory failure. Early diagnosis, prompt treatment, pulmonary rehabilitation and vaccination are mainstay of management modalities and to prevent further exacerbation in patients.