Profile And Risk Factors Of Patients With Obstructive Airway Diseases At Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital Chest Clinic, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: Obstructive airway diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is  are limited published data in Ethiopia.The purpose of this study was to characterize and identify the risk factors of patients with obstructive airway diseases.Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional review of patients seen at TASH chest clinic, between January 2013-December 2013 and all adult patients with a physician diagnosis of obstructive airway diseases were identified and their demographic and clinical data were included in the analysis.Results: During the study period, there were 144 patients seen with a clinical diagnosis of obstructive airway disease.Fifty six percent were females and 74.6% were from Addis Ababa. The mean age was 52.8±13.8 years.Among the participants, 26% and 27% had history of prior tuberculosis treatment, and prior pneumonia, respectively. Approximately 17% had ever smoked cigarettes, which was exclusively among men. Among patients who reported symptoms, 73%, 83%, and 75% presented with cough, wheezing and dyspnea respectively. Asthma was the primary diagnosis among 86% of patients; the remainder carried a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Among those who had spirometry, 55.8% of asthmatics and 63.6 % of COPD had an obstructive ventilatory defect (FEV1/FVC ratio of less than 0.7). Among COPD patients, 40% were ever smokers, and 40% were females.Conclusions: The majority are female, non-smoking and  asthmatics.Future study will incorporate bronchodilator testing.