Publication:

Vitamin D levels in patients with bronchial asthma

Background Bronchial asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases. In India, bronchial asthma has 66% frequency of reported exacerbations. Vitamin D has action on pro-inflammatory mediators and smooth muscle function and proliferation, which has direct relevance for lung function in asthma.

Methods The cross sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Government Medical College Jammu for 10 months from January 2018-August 2018. 50 Patients of 18-60 years with diagnosis of bronchial asthma on the basis of clinical and radiological signs were included, while age matched 50 controls years free from any disease and morbidity were included and assessed for vitamin D levels.

Results The mean serum vitamin D level was significantly low at 26.13±4.91 ng/ml in patients, while 39.67±4.03 ng/ml was the mean vitamin D level of controls. The vitamin D levels of mild and moderate (persistent) asthma patients was seen lower than those of the controls.

Conclusions Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in patients during exacerbations of bronchial asthma. It is also associated with lower lung functions and increased number of exacerbations. Thus improving vitamin D status may be effective in the prevention and treatment of bronchial asthma and exacerbations.