2001 Volume 38 Issue 4 Pages 519-522
Effects of inhaled anticholinergic drug on the physiological function of the respiratory system and quality of life (QOL) in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have not been fully elucidated. We examined the pulmonary function, static respiratory pressures, and ventilation during exercise, before and after inhalation of oxitropium bromide (OTB) in 12 male patients with COPD (mean age 82.1±0.6 years). QOL was measured with a St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) in the patients. Forced expiratory volume in one second was increased by the inhalation of OTB in the patients, whereas the ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity was decreased by the inhalation. Maximum inspiratory pressure was significantly increased after the administration of OTB. Dyspnea sensation during exercise measured on the Borg scale was reduced by the inhalation of OTB. The scores of SGRQ were improved by one-month treatment with OTB. These results suggest that the treatment with OTB are effective for both physiological function and several aspects of QOL in elderly patients with COPD.
