• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.570-579
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• 2003

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to exam the effects of a short-term pulmonary program on lung function, exercise tolerance, and quality of life in chronic lung patients. Method: Randomized controlled pre-post test design was used. The outcome measures were forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1, % predicted), 6 min walking distance (6MWD), Borg score after 6MWD, and Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRDQ). Experimental group performed the 4-week home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program composed of inspiratory muscle training, upper and lower extremity exercise, relaxation, and telephone visit. Patients in control group were only given education about self-management strategies. Thirty four patients with moderate-to-severe respiratory impairment were recruited, and 28 patients (19 in experiments, 15 in control) completed the study. Result: Significant improvements in lung function, exercise tolerance, and health related quality of life were found only in the experiment group. Conclusion: This study yielded evidence for the potential and beneficial effects of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program in patients with moderate to severe chronic lung disease. The program could be adequately utilized for improvement of health related quality of life in chronic lung patients.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.85 no.2
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• pp.137-146
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• 2022

Background: Farinelli breathing (FB) exercise is a typical breathing exercise used by singers. This study aimed to compare effects of FB exercise and diaphragmatic breathing (DB) exercise on respiratory function and symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: Sixteen patients aged 51-80 years with mild or moderate COPD were recruited for this study. They were divided into two groups: DB group (n=8) and FB group (n=8). Both groups received complete breathing exercise training five times per week for 8 weeks. Their respiratory functions, COPD symptoms, cytokine levels, and oxidative stress variables were analyzed during pre- and post-tests. Dependent variables were compared between pre- and post-tests using paired t-tests. An independent t-test was used to compare variables between the groups. Differences were considered significant at p<0.05. Results: The maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂max), and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores changed significantly in the DB group after the 8-week intervention compared to those at pre-test, whereas force vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second, maximum voluntary ventilation, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), MEP, VO₂max, CAT score, tumor necrosis factor-α, and malondialdehyde level changed significantly in the FB group at post-test compared to those at pre-test. Moreover, both MIP and MEP in the FB group were significantly higher than those in the DB group. Conclusion: FB exercise improved respiratory functions and COPD symptoms of patients with COPD. It might be an alternative breathing exercise in pulmonary rehabilitation programs for patients with COPD.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.63 no.6
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• pp.480-485
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• 2007

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. COPD has systemic effects, such as skeletal muscle dysfunction and abnormal weight loss. It also has been suggested that COPD is related to other chronic disease, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and anemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate a symptom questionnaire and laboratory findings in subjects with air flow limitation. Methods: We evaluated a symptom questionnaire and laboratory findings in subjects with airflow limitation detected by spirometry in conjunction with the Second Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 9,243 adults over the age of 18 were recruited. Among the adults, we finally analyzed 2,217 subjects who met the acceptability and repeatability criteria of spirometry, showed normal findings on chest radiography, and were older than 40 years of age. Results: There were 288 subjects with airflow limitation as determined by spirometry. The frequency of respiratory symptoms such as cough, sputum and wheezing were significantly higher in subjects with airflow limitation (p <0.01). Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were higher in subjects with airflow limitation (hemoglobin level 13.98 mg/dL vs. 13.62 mg/dL, hematocrit 42.10% vs. 40.89%; p<0.01). The HDL cholesterol level was lower in subjects with airflow limitation (44.95 mg/dL vs. 45.60 mg/dL; p<0.01). There was no significant difference in the total cholesterol, triglyceride, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and fasting glucose levels. Conclusion: In subjects with airflow limitation, prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher than in normal spirometry subjects and the levels of hemoglobin and the hematocrit were higher. The HDL cholesterol level was lower in subjects with airflow limitation.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.130-139
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• 2018

Objectives: Air pollution is a growing concern in Korea because of transboundary air pollution from mainland China. A panel study was conducted to clarify the effects of air pollution on respiratory symptoms and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in outpatients with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Korea. Methods: Patients filled out a questionnaire including self-reported HR-QoL in February and were followed up in May and July. The study was conducted from 2013 to 2015, with different participants each year. Air quality parameters were applied in a generalized estimating equation as independent variables to predict factors affecting HR-QoL. Results: Lower physical fitness scores were associated with Asian sand dust events. Daily activity scores were worse when there were high concentrations of particulate matter (PM) less than $10{\mu}m$ in diameter ($PM_{10}$). Lower social functioning scores were associated with high PM less than $2.5{\mu}m$ in diameter and nitrogen dioxide ($NO_2$) concentrations. High $NO_2$ concentrations also showed a significant association with mental health scores. Weather-related cough was prevalent when $PM_{10}$, $NO_2$, or ozone ($O_3$) concentrations were high, regardless of COPD severity. High $PM_{10}$ concentrations were associated with worsened wheezing, particularly in COPD patients. Conclusions: The results suggest that PM, $NO_2$, and $O_3$ cause respiratory symptoms leading to HR-QoL deterioration. While some adverse effects of air pollution appeared to occur regardless of COPD, others occurred more often and more intensely in COPD patients. The public sector, therefore, needs to consider tailoring air pollution countermeasures to people with different conditions to minimize adverse health effects.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.369-376
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• 2010

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of current body weight and body mass index (BMI) at age three and birth weight in developing chronic respiratory illness in childhood and identify possible interaction underlying its mechanism. Methods: The study was carried out with 422 children who were enrolled in a hospital-based birth cohort. Birth related anthropometric data were collected at birth. At age 3 years, the presence of respiratory symptoms was evaluated by using the Korean version of core questionnaire for wheezing and asthma from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Physical examination was carried out to measure the child's weight and height. Results: Children in the lowest birth weight tertile (aOR = 3.97, 95% CI = 0.94-16.68) or highest BMI tertile (aOR = 3.68, 95% CI = 1.24-10.95) at three years of age were at an increased risk of chronic respiratory illness. Children who were initially in the lowest birth weight tertile but now belong in the highest weight tertile had higher risk of chronic respiratory illness compared to those who had remained in the middle tertile (OR=16.35, 95% CI=1.66-160.57). Conclusions: Children with lower birth weight or higher BMI were at an increased risk of chronic respiratory illness. In addition, children who were initially in the lowest birth weight tertile but are now in the highest weight tertile had higher risk of chronic respiratory illness compared to those who remained in the middle tertile.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.557-565
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• 2019

Objectives: This study investigated the effect of local acupuncture point stimulation and the application of a topical herbal mixed heating cream in a chronic cough patient who had not responded to various medications for more than a few months. Methods: An 81 year-old female patient who was suspected to be suffered from Upper Airway Cough Syndrome (UACS) was examined. The patient was treated with local acupuncture point stimulation and the application of a topical herbal mixed heating cream. We used the Leicester Cough Questionnaire, Cough-Specific Quality-of-Life Questionnaire, and Verbal Numerical Rating Scale to assess the patient's respiratory symptoms. Results: Local acupuncture point stimulation and the application of a topical herbal mixed heating cream resulted in the improvement of cough symptoms. The quality of life due to the alleviation of symptoms also significantly improved. Adverse effects were not observed. Conclusions: This study suggests that local acupuncture point stimulation and the application of a topical herbal mixed heating cream may be an effective therapy for the treatment of chronic cough in patients with UACS.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.69 no.3
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• pp.171-176
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• 2010

Background: The object of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Korean versions of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test (CAT) and Dyspnea-12 Questionnaire for patients with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD). Methods: For the 127 COPD patients, we obtained the Korean versions of the 3 questionnaires being tested: St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), CAT, and Dyspnea-12 with spirometric measurements. To assess the validity of CAT and Dyspnea-12, their correlation with SGRQ was evaluated. To assess the reliability of CAT and Dyspnea-12, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was evaluated. Results: The mean age of patient participants was $68.6{\pm}7.5$ years; 97.6% were male. The SGRQ score was correlated with the scores of the Korean version of CAT (r=0.71, p<0.0001) and Dyspnea-12 (r=0.73, p<0.0001). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the CAT and Dyspnea-12 were 0.77 and 0.78, respectively. Conclusion: The Korean versions of CAT and Dyspnea-12 were shown to be valid and reliable for the Korean COPD patients.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.456-477
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• 2024

Background: Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) both require long-term management, and patients with asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) need comprehensive and prolonged care beyond pharmacotherapy. However, due to limited research on ACO, treatment strategies and long-term outcomes remain unclear. This highlights the need for further multidisciplinary research to improve ACO treatment and prognosis. Case Presentation: This case report describes a patient who presented with symptoms of cough, sputum, wheezing, dyspnea, and oral dryness. The patient was diagnosed with ACO and received a combination of Korean medicine treatments alongside standard asthma medication for 15 days. Standardized tools were used to evaluate symptoms and quality of life, respectively. After treatment, Medical Research Council scale, Leicester cough questionnaire Korean-Version and Numerical Rating Score demonstrated clinically meaningful improvement, and Total IgE and Eosinophils were slightly decreased. Conclusion: This case suggests Korean medicine treatments might be effective in managing symptoms in patients with ACO and enhancing quality of life.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.312-322
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• 2003

Purpose: This study is aimed to analyze the trend of research on pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and to suggest a direction for future research of pulmonary rehabilitation of COPD. Method: A total of 39 studies published from 1991 to 2002 were examined according to the year of publication, type of journal, characteristics of patients, rehabilitation program, research design, and instruments and research findings. Results: 1) The number of studies related to pulmonary rehabilitation of COPD patients has rapidly increased since 1996's (87.18%) 2) There were 10 studies published in the chest. There were 6 studies published in domestic journals and 33 studies published in international journals. 3) The samples in the studies were mostly outpatients whose lung function was moderate. 4) The total period of the pulmonary rehabilitation program shown in the literature was 5 to 12 weeks. The programs included exercise interventions, educational interventions and psychosocial interventions. 5) The outcomes of the pulmonary rehabilitation were measured with lung function, 6-minute walk test, dyspnea, and chronic respiratory disease questionnaire. Research findings were found to be effective on 6-minute walk test, dyspnea, and chronic respiratory disease questionnaire but not on lung function. Conclusion: Based on these findings, pulmonary rehabilitation should be further emphasized, and standardized protocols and community based pulmonary rehabilitation programs need to be provided. More qualitative research should also be conducted in the future to describe the experiences of the pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with COPD.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.68 no.5
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• pp.273-279
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• 2010

Background: Pulmonary hypertension is considered as a poor prognosis factor in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There has been reported brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) is related with increased right ventricular (RV) workloads. However, there are few studies that evaluate the relationship between BNP and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), RV function and St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score in patients with COPD, and the effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) on these parameters. Methods: Pulmonary function test, echocardiography, blood BNP, and SGRQ score were evaluated in stabilized moderate degree COPD patients ($FEV_1$/FVC< 70%, $50%{\leq}FEV_1$ < 80%) aged 45 years and over, without worsening of symptoms within recent 3 months. After treating with ramipril 10 mg for 3 months, the same evaluation was repeated. Results: Twenty-two patients were included in this study. BNP was significantly correlated with PAP (Pearson coefficient ${\rho}=0.51$, p=0.02), but not with RV ejection fraction (EF) and predicted $FEV_1%$. The values for predicted $FEV_1%$ showed significant correlation with SGRQ total score and activity score, but not with BNP or PAP. After ramipril treatment, PAP showed significant decrease ($42.8{\pm}8.1$ vs. $34.5{\pm}4.5mm$ Hg p=0.0003), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion significant increase ($21.5{\pm}3.3$ vs. $22.7{\pm}3.1mm$ p=0.009). BNP showed a tendency to decrease without statistical significance ($40.8{\pm}59.6$ vs. $18.0{\pm}9.1pg/mL$ p=0.55). SGRQ scores showed no significant change. Conclusion: BNP showed significant correlation with resting PAP, which means BNP could be used as markers for pulmonary hypertension. Treatment with ACEI didn't show significant change in the level of BNP, while pulmonary hypertension and RV function were improved.