A STUDY OF ASSOCIATION OF BODY MASS INDEX WITH SEVERITY OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA IN 132 PATIENTS

As the prevalence of both obesity and severity of asthma are in increasing trend, we study association between body mass index (BMI) and asthma severity in cross sectional study. OBJECTIVE: To study association between Body mass index and Asthma severity METHODOLOGYWe included adults (age > 13yrs), who are diagnosed as patients of asthma by Pulmonologist and who are non -smoker, without any other lung pathology, are not on long term systemic steroids. Total of 132 patients, divided into fallowing BMI categories: Underweight (BMI<18.5), Normal weight (BMI 18.5-25), Over weight and obese (BMI>25). Asthma severity measured using GINA severity classification. Data is collected and tabulated. RESULTS: 1) Comparing %FEV1of expected value of underweight (mean% FEV1of expected-70.57+/-13.78), and overweight and obese (mean% FEV1of expected-60.125+/-17.28) with normal weight (mean % FEV1 of expected-74.19+/-15.08); we find over weight and obese have significantly low % FEV1of expected (Z=3.97; P<0.001). 2) Scatter graph of % FEV1 of expected values against BMI indicate significant negative correlation(r=-0.249;p< 0.01). 3) By applying chi-square test, there is significant association between overweight and obese with moderate to severe asthma(x2=14.01; p<0.001); also attributable risk (AR) found to be 49.01%. CONCLUSION: In asthmatic patient there is negative correlation between % FEV1of expected and BMI; Severity of asthma is more in over weight and obese patient; and obesity will be modifiable risk factor for severity of asthma.