Abstract

A STUDY OF PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST IN SMOKERS AND NONSMOKERS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Chandan Sharma and Akhil Gupta*

ABSTRACT

Background: Tobacco smoking is a predisposing factor for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Smoking leads to the development of COPD and rapid decline in the pulmonary function test, like forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) may occur. The aim of the study was to compare the differences in pulmonary function test in smokers and non-smokers. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medicine in collaboration with Department of Anathesia for a period of 6 months in Government Medical College Jammu on 150 male subjects: 80 smokers and 70 non-smokers, in the age group of 18 to 60 years. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather information regarding smoking habits, occupation, medical history etc. Results: There were almost equal number of mild and moderate smokers, 31 and 28 correspondingly, however about 21 (26%) were severe smokers. The mean values of all pulmonary function tests are significantly altered to the worse among smokers, when compared to non-smokers. PFT analysis clearly shows pulmonary impairment among smokers. Values of FVC, FEV1, PEFR, FEV1/FVC, FEV 25-75, etc were significantly reduced in smokers. There were almost equal number of mild and moderate smokers, 31 and 28 correspondingly, however about 21 (26%) were severe smokers. Conclusion: Almost all pulmonary function parameters stood affected in smokers, thus leading to the conclusion that PFT is a mandatory test to be carried out on smokers to make them aware of the ill effects of smoking on their health.

Keywords: Tobacco Smoking, Pulmonary Function Test, Forced Vital Capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume.