Voice Related Quality of Life in Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) refers to lung diseases such as, Chronic Bronchitis, Chronic Asthma and Emphysema. These diseases are characterized by obstruction to airflow that interferes with normal breathing and they frequently co-exist. COPD can affect voice as respiration is a vital subsystem for voice production COPD that have a significant voice impairment which might further impact the quality of life. There are very few studies available in the voice literature on the assessment of quality of life in individuals with COPD. In this regard, the study aimed to assess the voice related quality of life in individuals with COPD and compare the findings with normal controls. Methods: 64 participants were considered for this present study under two groups (Group 1: individuals with COPD, Group 2: normal individuals). The voice disorder outcome profile (Voice-DOP), self-perceived severity of voice problem rating scale and the modified medical research council (MMRC) dyspnoea scale were the quality of life measures employed in this study. Results: There was statistically significant difference between the two groups on all the three measures at p < 0.05. Further, a positive correlation was found between all the three measures. Conclusions: These findings indicate that COPD has an impact on the individual’s quality of life. This could be attributed to the voice deviations due to COPD itself or due to the effects of the medication that cause an impact the voice related quality of life in these individuals.