A comparative Study of Lung Function Tests in Smokers and Non-smokers in Rural Maharashtra

Abstract

Background: 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 bronchial carcinoma.

Objective: To study the pulmonary function tests among smoker and non-smoker population in a rural area.

Methods & Results: The pulmonary functions were done on a computerized spirometer in 100 male subjects comprising of 50 smokers and 50 non smokers. Almost all the pulmonary function parameters were significantly reduced in smokers and obstructive pulmonary impairment was commonest.

Conclusion: Pulmonary function parameters are reduced in smokers as compared to non-smokers in rural Uttar Pradesh. J Med Sci 2009;12(2):-37-40.