“EVALUATION OF PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST PARAMETERS IN HEALTHY ASYMPTOMATIC SMOKERS USING SPIROMETRY AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.”

Abstract

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable lung diseases. Present study aimed to evaluate the pulmonary function test parameters by spirometry in healthy asymptomatic smokers. Material & Method: This prospective observational study was conducted for duration of 1yr period among the healthy subjects with smoking history of 5yrs attending the OPD/admitted in the hospital for complaints other than respiratory symptoms. The individuals underwent the clinical examination and history collection. The pulmonary function testing was done as per the guidelines of American thoracic society. Participants performed PFT in seated position after a thorough calibration of spirometer. Three trials of testing was performed and the best of the trials was considered for analysis. Result: A total of 200 patients fulfilling inclusion criteria consenting to be part of study were included. The mean age of patients included in the study was found to be 47.22±9.85yrs. There is significant change in lung function in smokers, this was pronounced with the finding that the bidi smokers are at higher lung function derangement with the duration and number of pack years compared to cigarette smokers. Conclusion: Tobacco smoking in form of bidi or cigarette or both has a significant deleterious effect on the pulmonary function. The asymptomatic smokers should be educated for the risk of COPD and health benefits of cigarette cessation.