• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.81 no.2
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• pp.156-162
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• 2018

Background: Eosinophilia is well recognized in specific conditions. The objective of the present study was to determine clinico-radiologic characteristics of eosinophilia and changes in prevalence over 10 years in recipients of private health screening program at a tertiary hospital in Korea. Methods: Data of private health screening program recipients at the health promotion center of Chung-Ang University Hospital from 2004 to 2013 were collected. Health-related questionnaires and laboratory findings of private health screening program with possible relation with eosinophilia were reviewed. Results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for parasite, chest computed tomography, and pulmonary function test were also reviewed. Results: The cumulative prevalence of eosinophilia was 4.0% (1,963 of 48,928). Prevalence of eosinophilia showed a decreased trend from 2004 to 2013. Most cases (96.6%) had mild degree of eosinophilia. Eosinophilic subjects were older and male-predominant. They showed lower levels of forced expiratory volume in 1 second ($FEV_1%$), forced vital capacity (FVC%), and $FEV_1/FVC$ than those without eosinophilia. Eosinophilic subjects showed higher positive rate for common parasite in ELISA than those without eosinophilia. On radiologic findings, consolidation and ground glass opacities were positively associated with the degree of eosinophilia. When eosinophil was classified based on severity, statistically significant correlation between the severity of eosinophil and radiologic abnormalities was found. Conclusion: Eosinophilia is uncommon in healthy population. It usually occurs at a mild degree. Eosinophilic patients have more radiologic abnormalities compared to those without eosinophilia. Such radiologic abnormalities are associated with the severity of eosinophilia.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.71 no.1
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• pp.37-45
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• 2011

Background: Pulmonary emphysema (PE) is major cause of obstructive pulmonary function impairment (OPFI), which is diagnosed by spirometry. PE by high resolution CT is known to be correlated with OPFI. Recently, low dose CT (LDCT) has been increasingly used for screening interstitial lung diseases including PE. The aim of this study was to evaluate OPFI risks of subjects with PE detected by LDCT compared with those detected by simple digital radiography (SDR). Methods: LDCT and spirometry were administered to 266 inorganic dust exposed retired workers, from May 30, 2007 to August 31, 2008. This study was approved by our institutional review board and informed consent was obtained. OPFI risk was defined as less than 0.7 of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC), and relative risk (RR) of OPFI of PE was calculated by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the 266 subjects, PE was found in 28 subjects (10.5%) by LDCT and in 11 subjects (4.1%) by SDR; agreement was relatively low (kappa value=0.32, p<0.001). FEV1 and FEV1/FVC were significantly different between PE and no PE groups determined by either SDR or LDCT. The differences between groups were larger when the groups were divided by the findings of SDR. When PE was present in either LDCT or SDR assays, the RRs of OPFI were 2.34 and 8.65, respectively. Conclusion: LDCT showed significantly higher sensitivity than SDR for detecting PE, especially low grade PE, in which pulmonary function is not affected. As a result, the OPFI risks in the PE group by LDCT was lower than that in the PE group by SDR.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.69 no.2
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• pp.108-114
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• 2010

Background: The aim was to estimate the differences between pulmonary disability grades according to the spirometry reference equations (the Korean equation and the Morris equation). Methods: Spirometry was performed on 16,916 male and 1,353 female special examination for pneumoconiosis, in the period of 2007~2009. Changes in predictive values for forced expiratory volume in one second ($FEV_1$), forced vital capacity (FVC) and $FEV_1$/FVC and in disability grade were evaluated using both equations. Results: Mean FVCs for men and women were 4,218.7 mL and 2,801.5 mL in predictive values after the application of the Korean equation, and 3,763.9 mL and 2,395.6 mL after the Morris equation, respectively. Compared with the Morris equation, the Korean equation showed 10.8% and 14.5% of excesses for men and women (p<0.001). Mean $FEV_1s$ for men and women were 3,102.5 mL and 2,107.1 mL in the Korean equation, and 2,667.8 mL and 1,699.6 mL in the Morris equation, respectively. Compared with the Morris equation, the Korean equation showed 14.0% and 19.3% of excesses for men and women (p<0.001). Men and women who showed the changes of disability grades using the Korean equation in place of the Morris equation were 23.9% (4,052/16,916) and 22.9% (311/1,353) on FVC, and 23.1% (3,913/16,916) and 10.7% (145/1,353) on $FEV_1$. Conclusion: Applying different reference equations for spirometry has resulted in changes for disability grades in special examination for pneumoconiosis.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.64 no.5
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• pp.229-238
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• 2021

Background: Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), an important physiological feature of asthma, is a prognostic marker of childhood asthma. Purpose: We aimed to investigate the factors associated with BHR in adolescents with childhood asthma. Methods: Two hundred and fifteen adolescents (≥13 years of age; 149 males, 66 females) who were diagnosed with asthma during childhood were enrolled, underwent methacholine challenge tests, and were divided into the BHR group (<25 mg/mL of provocation concentration causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV₁] [PC₂₀], n=113) or non-BHR group (≥25 mg/mL of PC₂₀, n=102). We examined longitudinal changes in BHR and the risk factors for its persistence in the 108 adolescents for whom baseline data, including methacholine PC₂₀ at age 6 years, were available. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the factors associated with BHR in adolescents. Results: Mold sensitization (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.569; P=0.005) and increased blood eosinophil count (aOR, 1.002; P=0.026) were independently associated with BHR in boys but not girls. The odds of BHR decreased by 32% with each 1-year increase in age in boys (aOR, 0.683; P=0.010) but not girls. A reduced FEV₁/forced vital capacity ratio (<90%) was independently related with BHR in female patients only (aOR, 7.500; P=0.007). BHR decreased with age throughout childhood. A low methacholine PC₂₀ at age 6 years was independently associated with persistent BHR throughout childhood in male and female patients, whereas early mold sensitization was a risk factor for persistent BHR in male patients only (aOR, 7.718; P=0.028). Conclusion: Our study revealed sex-specific differences in the factors associated with BHR in adolescents with childhood asthma. Our findings suggest the risk factors that might affect asthma transition from childhood to adolescence and adulthood.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.13-20
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• 2019

PURPOSE: Sitting with crossed legs may have an effect on maintaining a healthy body posture and proper functioning of the respiratory system. Thus, this study's objective was to identify whether or not sitting with crossed legs affects the vertebral angle, chest wall mobility, the pulmonary function, and the activity of the respiratory muscles. METHODS: Thirty healthy subjects were recruited for this study (16 males and 14 females). The vertebral angle, chest wall mobility, pulmonary function, and the activity of the respiratory muscle were measured while the subjects sat in the correct posture and these factors were again measured with the subjects seated with their legs crossed. Three-dimensional motion analysis was used to determine the trunk and lumbar vertebral angles. Surface electromyography was employed to measure the sternocleidomastoid, the rectus abdominis, and the external and internal oblique abdominis muscles. A tapeline was utilized to evaluate the subjects' chest wall mobility. Spirometry was assessed to determine the forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second. Paired t-tests were then performed (p<.05). RESULTS: There were significant differences in the trunk and lumbar flexion angles, the chest wall mobility, the activity of the right external oblique muscle, and the left internal oblique abdominis muscle. However, the difference in pulmonary function did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: A crossed leg posture caused slight thoracic extension and lumbar flexion, which may lead to a decrease of the chest wall mobility and also to an imbalance of the abdominal muscles. Therefore, sitting with a crossed leg posture should be avoided. Yet a crossed leg posture did not have any clinical effect on the pulmonary function of healthy people. It may be necessary to study the effects of sitting with crossed legs over an extended period of time for patients suffering with impaired respiratory function.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.214-220
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• 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of smoking duration, smoked cigarettes per day and smoking cessation period on pulmonary function among ex-smokers: based on the 6th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Methods: This study was analyzed using the 6th KNHANES data. Pulmonary function tests were performed on a total of 4,214 adults (> 40 years old). A total of 770 adults ex-smokers were eligible for inclusion in the final analysis. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second ($FEV_1$) and $FEV_1/FEV$ were measured to evaluate pulmonary function. Results: This study showed that there were significant differences in both $FEV_1$ and FVC values based on gender, age and height, among ex-smokers. $FEV_1/FVC$ significantly differed by age, height and the smoking duration prior to smoking cessation. Multiple regression analysis revealed that, $FEV_1/FVC$ accounted for 26.0% of the variance by age, height and smoking duration. There was a difference in the mean value of $FEV_1/FVC$ with or without smoking for more than 10 years. Conclusion: This study's findings show that smoking for over 10 years in an ex-smoker can lead to problems with the respiratory system. The long-term cigarette has progressive ill effects on the respiratory system.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.11-18
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• 2021

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect on lung capacity of healthy men and women in their twenties by performing an intervention using the chest extension exercise and the bridge exercise, which are respiratory muscle strengthening exercises. Methods : Thirty adult men and women in their 20s participated in this study. All subjects participated in the study after hearing the explanation of the purpose and method of the study, filling out a consent form. All subjects were randomly assigned to the chest extension exercise (CEE) group and the bridge exercise (BE) group of fifteen each. Each exercise was performed twice a week for 4 weeks. Lung capacity was measured by forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) using spirometry. Lung capacity was measured before and after exercise. The measured data were compared through the dependent t-test and the independent t-test. The statistical significance level was set at .05. Results : After the intervention, the CEE group showed a significant increase in FVC and FEV₁ compared to before the intervention (p<.05). After the intervention, the BE group also had a significant increase in FVC and FEV₁ compared to before the intervention (p<.05). However, there was no difference in FVC and FEV₁ between groups before and after the intervention (p>.05). Conclusion : There was no difference between groups in lung capacity after exercise. However, both the chest extension exercise and the bridge exercise increased FVC and FEV1, which was thought to be because both exercise methods were effective in increasing lung capacity. Therefore, both chest extension exercises and bridge exercises can be effectively applied as a way to increase lung capacity.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.149-155
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• 2022

Purpose : This study investigated the effects of wearing a mask and different mask filters on the respiratory function of stroke patients. Methods : A total of 15 stroke patients were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The respiratory functions were compared between participants with and without masks and among respiratory functions with three different mask filters. The order of using masks was non-wearing masks, Dental masks, KF80 masks, and KF94 masks; the difference in respiratory volumes among these conditions were measured. For accuracy of the measurement, sufficient education on the respiratory measurement method was provided to the researcher, and the heart rate of the participants was estimated to confirm their stability before the measurements. To ensure accuracy, the subjects were educated on the researchers' respiratory measurement methods. Each measurement was followed by 10 min breathing stability before replacing the next mask. Results : The results of this study showed that the difference in respiratory functions, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV₁), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), in stroke patients was statistically significant among different masks (p<.05). Afterwards, the values of FVC, FEV₁, and MVV in stroke patients wearing masks were significantly lower than those of the non-masked control group (p<.05). The difference in respiratory functions with different mask filters showed no statistical significance (p<.05). Conclusion : This study showed that participants wearing any of the masks presented a lower respiratory function than that of those without using masks; additionally, no difference in respiratory functions was observed with differences in mask filters. Therefore, wearing a mask for a prolonged period is confirmed to affect breathing in stroke patients with weak respiratory function.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.125-134
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• 2021

Purpose : This study applies inspiratory muscle resistance exercise with aerobic exercise to smokers and nonsmokers and then determines whether subjects' breathing functions (FVC, FEV1) are increased and how much effect smoking has on the difference in the increase of breathing functions between the two groups. Methods : For this experiment, 26 male adults were selected and randomly allocated to the smoker group (n=13) and nonsmoker group (n=13). The smokers and nonsmokers performed the inspiratory muscle resistance exercise with aerobic exercise three times a week for four weeks. Regarding the breathing functions, the forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were measured three times: week 0, week 2, and week 4. The aerobic exercise was performed using a stationary bicycle with 8 difficulty levels. The inspiratory muscle resistance exercise was performed using Power Breathe with 10 resistance levels. Results : The study found that the FVC and FEV1 values of the smoker group decreased slightly after four weeks of inspiratory muscle resistance exercise with aerobic exercise. In other words, the difference was not statistically significant. In contrast, the FVC and FEV1 values of the nonsmoker group increased by a statistically significant amount. In addition, the intergroup comparison of the average increases in FVC and FEV1 values showed statistically significant differences. Conclusion : The results of this study show that when inspiratory muscle resistance exercise with aerobic exercise was performed, the increase in the breathing functions of nonsmokers was higher than that of smokers. This confirms that, within the parameters of the study, smoking had a negative effect on the increase of breathing functions. This suggests that quitting smoking must be considered as an essential factor when applying a breathing physiotherapy or a breathing function improvement program in clinical settings

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.203-211
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• 2021

Purpose : It was to compare changes in respiratory function (pulmonary function, inspiratory function) after four weeks of inspiratory muscle strengthening training (diaphragmatic breathing with upper arm exercise, Power-Breathe breathing) for 36 healthy people. Methods : Subjects were randomly assigned to diaphragmatic breathing with upper arm exercise (Group I) and Power-breathe breathing (Group II) was conducted by the protocol for four weeks five times per week. As the main measurement method for comparison between groups For pulmonary function, Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume at One second (FEV1) were used, and for inspiratory function, Maximum Inspiratory Capacity (MIC), Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP), and Maximum Inspiratory Flow Rate (MIFR) were used. Results : In changes in pulmonary function between groups, FVC and FEV₁ showed no significant difference, and in inspiratory function changes, MIC showed no significant difference, but in MIP and MIFR, Group B significantly improved over Group A. Conclusion : The progressive resistance training using the Power-breath device applied to the inspiratory muscle did not show a significant difference in the increase in the amount of air in the lungs and chest cage compared to the diaphragmatic breathing training accompanied by the upper arm exercise. However, by increasing the air inflow rate and pressure, it showed a more excellent effect on improving respiratory function.