A comparative study of pulmonary function tests in tobacco smokers and non smokers

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study is to describe pulmonary function changes in smoking which declines lung function and to compare them with non smokers. Materials & Methods: The study was conducted in male subjects [n=100], Aged between 20-40years, who are smokers & non smokers. First the respiratory function values are taken in control group and the parameters selected for the study are FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75%, PEFR. Case group includes 50 smokers randomly selected from population. They have history of smoking more than 10 year duration and smoking 5 cigarettes per day. Results & Discussion: In this study smokers are compared with non smokers. There was decrease in FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, thus decrease in lung function in smokers. Conclusion: Regular smoking induces significant decrease in the pulmonary function tests. This study suggest that young smokers within few years of starting to smoke developed changes in pulmonary functions indicating decreased growth in lung functions and early peripheral airway narrowing and that these effects worsen progressively with continued smoking.