Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable and treatable disease. Exacerbations and comorbidities contribute to the severity of the disease. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between causative microorganisms and airway obstruction in patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbation.

Methods: Sputum and blood cultures of 75 patients, who were admitted to Nevşehir State Hospital Chest Diseases Unit between January 2015 and January 2016 and who were diagnosed as COPD exacerbation, were analyzed retrospectively. The relationship between microorganisms in sputum culture and airway obstruction was evaluated. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) value was used to evaluate airway obstruction.

Results: Of the 75 patients evaluated in our study, 45 (60%) were male and 30 (40%) were female. The mean age was 61.2 years. Isolated microorganisms were as follows: H. influenzae in 12 (16%) patients, S. pneumoniae in nine (%12) patients, M. catarrhalis in six (8%) patients, P. aeruginosa in four (5.3%) patients, E. coli in three (4%) patients, K. pneumoniae in three (4%) patients, and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus in one (1.3%) patient. No statistically significant difference was found between the microorganisms in terms of airway obstruction (p>0.05).

Conclusion: We did not find a correlation between the causative microorganism and airway obstruction in patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbation.