Nutritional Status and Its Impact on Disease Severity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) represents a significant global health burden with increasing morbidity and mortality rates. Malnutrition is prevalent among COPD patients and significantly impacts disease progression, treatment outcomes, and quality of life. The relationship between nutritional status and COPD severity remains an important area of investigation, particularly in resource-limited settings. Objectives: To assess the nutritional status and its impact on disease severity in COPD patients. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Dhaka National Medical Institute Hospital, Dhaka, from March 2025 to February 2026, involving 142 COPD patients. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers, and clinical evaluation. Disease severity was classified using standard COPD assessment criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Results: Among 142 COPD patients, 59.9% were male and 40.1% were female with mean age 62.4 ± 11.3 years. Malnutrition was identified in 61.3% of patients, with significant association between poor nutritional status and severe COPD (p<0.001). Patients with malnutrition demonstrated significantly higher COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores, increased exacerbation frequency, and reduced exercise tolerance compared to well-nourished patients. Conclusion: Nutritional status significantly influences COPD disease severity and patient outcomes J Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2026; 32 (02): 14-20