The Frequency Of Different Diagnoses In Patients Presented With Obstructive Airway Symptoms To The Outpatient And Pulmonology Department, Mardan Medical Complex, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Original Article

Abstract

Background

Obstructive airway symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath are common in respiratory conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, and acute bronchitis.

Objective

To determine the frequency and pattern of diagnoses among patients presenting with obstructive airway symptoms and to assess their relationship with gender and age distribution.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Outpatient and Pulmonology Department, Mardan Medical Complex, from jan to June 2024. A total of 320 patients aged 12–80 years were enrolled through consecutive sampling. Diagnoses were confirmed through spirometry, chest radiography, and CT or HRCT when indicated. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results

Among 320 patients, 173 (54.1%) were males and 147 (45.9%) were females, with a mean age of 53.68 ± 17.9 years. The most frequent diagnosis was asthma (50.6%), followed by COPD (36.2%), bronchiectasis (11.9%), and acute bronchitis (1.2%). Females predominated in asthma cases (56.8%), while COPD was more prevalent among males (68.1%). The 51–80-year age group accounted for most cases (59.4%).

Conclusion

Asthma and COPD were the leading causes of obstructive airway symptoms, with significant gender and age group variations. These findings emphasize the need for early diagnosis and preventive interventions, especially among older adults and high-risk groups.