QUALIDADE DE VIDA EM PACIENTES COM DOENÇA PULMONAR OBSTRUTIVA CRÔNICA

Abstract

The objective of this research was to assess the impact of the severity of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) on quality of life and dyspnea perception in patients treated at a pulmonology outpatient clinic. COPD is characterized by a chronic and not fully reversible limitation of airflow, resulting from an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to prolonged exposure to harmful gases and particles, especially cigarette smoke. The study evaluated 38 patients with confirmed COPD, of both sexes, with a mean age of 72.5 ± 7.17 years. Disease severity was classified according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria, while quality of life was assessed using the Saint George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and dyspnea severity was evaluated with the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale. Participants were divided into two groups: GOLD 1 and 2 (n=18) and GOLD 3 and 4 (n=20). The results showed that both groups were similar in terms of age, sex, and body mass index; however, patients in the GOLD 3 and 4 groups presented higher dyspnea scores (p=0.03) and worse quality of life in the activity (p=0.019), disease impact (p=0.017), and total SGRQ score (p=0.012) domains. These findings demonstrate that the progression of COPD is associated with a significant decline in functional capacity and emotional well-being, affecting autonomy and daily activities. It is concluded that COPD severity has a direct and negative influence on quality of life, reinforcing the need for continuous multidisciplinary follow-up and strategies focused on pulmonary rehabilitation and psychosocial support for these patients.