Assessment of pulmonary function abnormalities among chronic smokers and non-smokers.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/5fehx605Keywords:
Smoking, Pulmonary Function Test, Spirometry, Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseAbstract
Background
Smoking remains one of the leading preventable causes of respiratory morbidity and mortality worldwide. Chronic exposure to tobacco smoke results in progressive impairment of pulmonary function, predisposing individuals to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), restrictive lung disorders, and other respiratory illnesses.
Aim
To assess and compare pulmonary function abnormalities among chronic smokers and non-smokers attending a tertiary care teaching hospital.
Methods
A prospective observational comparative study was conducted at Madhubani Medical College and Hospital from April 2025 to January 2026. A total of 100 participants were enrolled, including 50 chronic smokers and 50 age-matched non-smokers. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were performed using spirometry. Parameters evaluated included forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Comparative analysis was performed between the two groups.
Results
The mean FEV1, FVC, and PEFR values were significantly lower among smokers compared with non-smokers (p<0.001). Obstructive ventilatory defects were observed in 36.0% of smokers compared with 6.0% of non-smokers (p<0.001). Pulmonary function impairment increased significantly with smoking duration exceeding 10 years.
Conclusion
Chronic smoking is significantly associated with deterioration of pulmonary function and increased prevalence of obstructive ventilatory abnormalities. Early smoking cessation and regular pulmonary function assessment are essential to prevent progressive respiratory impairment.
Recommendation
Routine pulmonary function assessment should be considered for chronic smokers, particularly those with prolonged smoking exposure, along with smoking cessation counselling and preventive interventions to reduce the risk of progressive respiratory impairment.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Dr. Ashutosh Kumar, Dr. Ajay Kumar Lal Das
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