Effect of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Functional Capacity of Lungs and Dyspnea in Patient with Silicosis in Anand District of Gujarat

Silicosis is defined as an occupational lung disease attributable to the inhalation of silicon dioxide (SiO2), commonly known as silica or “free silica” in crystalline forms. In Anand district of Gujarat state, India agate grinding is traditional vocation so high prevalence of silicosis is found. Major symptoms’ in silicosis patients are dyspnea and compromised lung capacities. Pulmonary rehabilitation has established itself as a key management strategy in people with chronic respiratory disease. So, in this study an effort is made to know the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on functional capacity of lungs and dyspnea in patients with silicosis.

Out of 60 patients 48 subject were be selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided equally into two groups(n=24). FVC, FEV1/FVC were measured to evaluate lung capacities and MRC Scale was taken to measure dyspnea.

Pulmonary rehabilitation for 45 min/a day, for 4 days/a week, for 4 week was given to Experimental group. The data was analyzed using t-test.

When pre and post data within the group was analyzed the significant change (p<0.05) was noted in the MRC scale in both groups but significance level was higher in experimental group. Whereas in FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio no significant change was noted in control group. When post-post data between the group was analyzed significant change (p<0.05) was noted in all outcome in experimental group.

This study demonstrates that a supervised pulmonary rehabilitation programme of 4 weeks duration improves functional capacity of lungs and reduces dyspnea in patients with silicosis.