Pulmonary function tests, fatigue levels and functional capacity in head and neck cancer patients undergoing cancer therapy: An evaluation study

BACKGROUND: The changes in pulmonary functions and fatigue; occurring in the months and years following cancer therapy have been well documented. The changes that occur in the hours of the cancer treatment are less clear. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The changes detected in the early stage of cancer treatment may help to prevent late pulmonary & associated complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pre and post scores were taken after 3 days of treatment. PFT was recorded by vitalograph & peak flow meter, fatigue levels were assessed by FACIT-F scale and functional capacity was assessed by distance covered in 6- minute walk test. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen patients with head and neck cancer were recruited 108 were males and 09 females with mean age of 52.2 years; there is a significant statistical reliable difference between the pre & post treatment values, with P-value is 0.001< 0.05. It justifies the deuteriations in health outcome post intervention. CONCLUSION: There is significant deterioration seen in the PFT, fatigue levels, functional capacity; could cause significant clinical problems. Early detection of all these changes can helps the patients as well as therapist to avoid or minimal late complications.