Control of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations frequency in association with ENT organs abnormalities

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease holding a stable position in morbidity and mortality structure in patients aged over 40 years.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the condition of otorhinolaryngological (ENT) organs in patients with the COPD at different disease periods with subsequent analysis of COPD exacerbation rate based on the results of therapy regimen change according to the established comorbidity.

Materials and Methods. Examination of ENT organs was performed in patients with COPD (n = 99) Patients from group 1 (n = 50) were treated at Pulmonary Department of the Regional State Budgetary Health Institution "Vladivostok Clinical Hospital No.1" for disease exacerbation; outpatients from group 2 (n = 49) had stable COPD course. Control group (n = 50) included patients without history of smoking and without respiratory and hearing disorders. All patients were matched by age and sex. Repeated examination was conducted in patients (n = 72) with stable COPD after 6 months.

Results. It was observed that patients from groups 1 and 2 had different severity of disease symptoms, but equally high (> 2) risk of COPD exacerbation within 1 year. 50.0 and 42.9% of patients actively complained about the ENT organ-related conditions during the periods of COPD exacerbation and stable course, respectively. Among ENT organ diseases the most frequent were laryngeal diseases reported in 84.0 and 73.5% of patients with COPD exacerbation and stable course, respectively. The chronic catarrhal rhinitis and pharyngitis were revealed in 26 and 30% of patients with COPD exacerbation (p < 0.01). According to the data of 6-month study, the number of COPD exacerbations in high-risk patients with COPD using personal treatment plan for ENT-organ diseases was reduced by half, which had a positive effect on the condition of ENT-organs.

Conclusion. The study showed that patients with COPD often ENT-organ-related complaints – in the exacerbation period about 50% of patients, and at stable course – 43%. Patients most often complain on glottic incompetence with the most pronounced symptoms at COPD exacerbation. Decreased number of COPD exacerbations by 2 times in patients with high risk of their occurrence and improvement of ENT organ condition were noted if ENT diseases were timely treated. ENT specialist consultation should be provided at dispensary observation organization for patients with COPD in order to personalize the treatment plan depending on the clinical situation.

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