1.Evaluation of pulmonary ventilation function in patients with covid-19 pneumonia among adults and elderly individuals
Norjmaa B ; Odonchimeg B ; Munkhbayarlakh S ; Ichinnorov D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):24-29
Background:
Pneumonia caused by COVID-19 tends to be more severe in middle-aged and elderly individuals, often
leading to decreased pulmonary ventilation function and negatively impacting quality of life post-recovery. However,
studies on this topic are limited in Mongolia.
Aim:
To evaluate pulmonary ventilation function and exercise tolerance in middle-aged and elderly individuals after
COVID-19 pneumonia.
Materials and Methods:
A hospital-based case-control study was conducted from June 2022 to December 2023 at
Gurvan Gal United Hospital and the First Central Hospital of Mongolia. The study group included 65 individuals aged 50-
69 who had recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia, while the control group consisted of 65 age-matched individuals who
had not contracted the infection. Participants underwent a questionnaire, spirometry, and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT)
to assess lung function and exercise tolerance.
Results:
A total of 123 participants were included in the study. The study group showed a significant reduction in FEV1
(P=0.015). compared to the control group. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in FVC or the
6MWT results between the two groups (P=0.464). Symptoms such as chest pain, cough, fatigue, and insomnia were significantly
more common in the study group than in the control group (P<0.0001).
Conclusion
Individuals aged 50-69 who had COVID-19 pneumonia exhibited prolonged symptoms such as persistent
cough, chest pain, nasal congestion, sore throat, fatigue, and sleep disturbances at a significantly higher rate compared to
the control group (P<0.0001). Pulmonary ventilation function showed a mild decline, with FEV1% being lower than in the
control group (P=0.015). Additionally, pulmonary fibrosis was significantly more prevalent among the post-COVID-19
group compared to the control group (P=0.026).