The study was conducted on eighty patients, forty COPD patients who were diagnosed and classified into four groups according as following: The first group: included 10 patients with a mild stage. The second group: included 10 patients with a moderate stage. The third group: included 10 patients with a severe stage. The fourth group: included 10 patients with a very severe stage. The study also included forty healthy individuals of the same age and sex as COPD patients. All participants gave their informed consent for inclusion before sharing in the study. Every person was submitted to: Full medical history, Clinical examination,Chest x-ray, spirometry and ultrasonographic assessment of diaphragm function (thickness and excursion)
The study of the diaphragm is an important point in the assessment of COPD patients.~Ultrasonographic evaluation of the diaphragm is considered a simple, non-invasive, available bedside technique. Ultrasonography can be used for evaluation of the site, structure, and motion of the diaphragm, assessment of excursion, and thickness.~The aim of the study is ultrasonographic assessment of the diaphragm in COPD patients and its relation to disease severity