conclusions the fev1/fev6 ratio can be used as a valid surrogate for fev1/fvc in the diagnosis of airway obstruction, especially for screening purposes in high-risk populations for copd. moreover, fev6 is an acceptable alternative for fvc in detection of restrictive pattern. results this study shows that the current cut-off points used to detect obstruction and restriction can be replaced by fe...

garbage collectors are occupationally exposed to a variety of airborne contaminants. the main objective of this study was to evaluate the respiratory health of garbage collectors. this study was carried out in fars province, south of iran. a group of 105 garbage collectors and 93 referent subjects were investigated. a standard questionnaire was administered to both groups. furthermore, subjects...

pulmonary hypertension (ph) is an important cause of heart failure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd). the pro brain natriuretic peptide n-terminal (nt-probnp) has been suggested as a noninvasive marker to evaluate ventricular function. however, there is no evidence to support the use of nt-probnp in monitoring the benefits of vasodilators in copd induced ph. thus, we used nt-probn...

background: several studies have showed an increased prevalence of airflow obstruction in first degree relatives of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd). considering no specific research had evaluated airway resistance in offspring of patients with severe copd, we utilized a spirometry and a impulse oscillometry (io) to evaluate this population. materials and methods: i...

background: actinomycosis is an indolent, slowly progressive infection caused by non acid fast, gram positive, anaerobic or microaerophilic bacteria. the most common site of actinomycosis infection is cervicofacial region. bacteriologic identification from infected site or detection of sulfur granules confirms the diagnosis. we report a rare case of simultaneous infection of larynx and lungs ac...

background : there is little evidence about the role of zafirlukast (a highly selective ltd4 antagonist) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd). the zafirlukast can reduce the need for short-acting rescue β2 agonists, produce fewer exacerbations of asthma and increased quality of life as possible benefits treatment for asthma. the aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of zafirlu...

background: depression and smoking decrease health status in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd), but the combined effect of the two factors is unknown. this study aimed to assess the interactive effects of depression and smoking on the severity of patients with copd. methods: a prospective cohort study including 2,268 patients with copd was conducted in seven rural communities from ma...

abstract   background: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and is an important health economic problem. since 1960, there has been an increase in mortality associated with copd, especially in men. acute exacerbations form a major component of the socioeconomic burden of copd which mainly results in long-term hospitalization. despite the high...

introduction: pulmonary hyperinflation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd) can increase the breathing rate and reduce diaphragmatic movements by pushing the diaphragms downward and limiting their movements; this, in fact, can affect the breathing process. the purpose of this study was to compare diaphragmatic movements in copd patients and healthy ones and to evaluate ...

pulmonary arterial hypertension (pha) is a frequent complication of congenital heart disease (chd), most commonly in systemic-to-pulmonary shunt lesions. in patients with an uncorrected left-to right shunt, pah will end up to eisenmenger’s syndrome, which is contraindication of surgery. what about patients with moderate to severe pah, who do not have criteria of eisenmenger’s syndrome; immediat...