Comparison of pulmonary function between smokers and non-smokers among out patients of Raja Muthaiah Medical College and Hospital, Cuddalore District

Introduction: In India smoking is a common habit prevalent in both urban and rural areas. Cigarette smoking has extensive effects on respiratory function and is clearly implicated in the etiology of a number of respiratory diseases, particularly chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and bronchogenic carcinoma. An attempt has been made to study the pulmonary function among smoker and non-smoker population in a rural area. Nicotine present in tobacco is the most dangerous of all psychoactive substances which is harmful to human race. Approximately 40% of cigarette smokers will die prematurely due to cigarette smoking unless they are able to quit. Aim and objectives: To compare the pulmonary function in smokers and non-smokers attending the medicine OPD of Raja Muthaiah Medical College and Hospital. Materials and methods: This present study was a case‐control study conducted among 50 smokers (subjects) and 50 non‐smokers (control) aged 25‐55. PFT measurements were carried out three times in each subject and highest level for forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were recorded. Data was analysed using unpaired students t- test and ANOVA. Results: Smoking had a negative impact on lung function, as compared to non-smokers. There was significant decrease in all pulmonary function (p<0.05). Conclusion: Almost all the pulmonary function parameters were significantly reduced in smokers and obstructive pulmonary impairment was commonest. Thus by spirometry a spectrum of lung disorders may be detected at an early stage and subsequent morbidity can be minimized.