Comparative study of smoking and non-smoking chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract

<b>Title:</b> Comparative study of smoking and non-smoking chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. <b>Introduction:</b> Although tobacco smoking is a predominant risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the burden of COPD in non-smokers is increasing nowadays. There is very little insight into non-smoker COPD. <b>Aims &amp; Objectives:</b> We compared the socio-demographic, risk factors, and clinical characteristics of smoking and non-smoking COPD. <b>Methods:</b> In this prospective observational study, we included 335 (201 smokers and 134 non-smokers) COPD patients. Participants underwent COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score, Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, exacerbation history, and ABCD assessment tool. Statistical analysis included student t-test, chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, etc. <b>Results:</b> Demographics were comparable between smoker and non-smoker groups. Male was predominant in the smoker-COPD and females were more in non-smoker COPD (Fischer’s Test, P&lt;0.0001). In non-smoker COPD, biomass smoke exposure was prevalent (Fischer’s Test, P=0.0077), low economic status and indoor &amp; outdoor air pollution were other risk factors. Clinical symptoms were comparable between both the studied groups. Assessing clinical characteristics data suggests that non-smoker COPD patients have less disease severity than smokers. <b>Conclusion:</b> Among 335 patients, 40% were non-smokers suggesting non-smokers contribute a significant proportion of overall COPD. In non-smoker COPD biomass fuel exposure was a major risk factor, and 79% of subjects have biomass fuel exposure index &gt;60 (threshold to develop the significant risk of COPD). Also, non-smoker COPD has less disease severity than smokers.