An Epidemiological Study on Risk Factors of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is expected to increase in the coming decades due to increasing air pollution. In a country like India, it is a challenge to control the growing incidence of COPD. For this, it is imperative to understand the various risk factors that lead to the development of COPD including smoking and the ever-worsening environmental air pollution levels. Material and Methods: This prospective case-control study was carried out at the out-patient clinic of pulmonary medicine at our tertiary care centre. Clinical severity data, demographic characteristics, smoking history, and particulate matter (PM) 2.5 levels at the residence of the patients were recorded. A total of 182 cases of COPD and 365 controls were taken. Result: COPD was found to be common among males (69.2%), among the factory workers, drivers and roadside vendors and in elderly age groups. COPD was found to be associated with exposure to active and passive smoking (p < 0.05). Exposure to dust, fumes, and smoke at the workplace was significantly more prevalent among the COPD patients (13.2%) than the control group (2.7%). Besides, 61.5% of the COPD patients were residing in the area with PM 2.5 levels > 60μg/m3 which was significantly greater than the controls (44.9%). Conclusion: The main risk factor for COPD is exposure to active and passive tobacco smoking. Other environmental factors such as exposure to dust, fumes at the workplace and home are also associated with COPD. Level of PM 2.5 > 60 μg/m3 is associated with an increased risk of COPD. Thus, the environmental history of residence in Delhi or a city with high AQI is significant in evaluating a COPD patient. It is important to understand the contribution of these risk factors as curbing and curtailing them can help prevent and control the growing burden of COPD.