COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PATTERN OF PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST AMONG SMOKERS AND NON-SMOKERS AT TERTIARY CARE CENTER, JAIPUR RAJASTHAN

Background: Smoking is one of the most common preventable causes of morbidity and mortality in India. Tobacco smoking leads to development of carcinomas, cardiovascular disease and lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The present study was designed to evaluate and compare the respiratory system changes in reference with PFT parameters in smokers and non-smokers done by the pulmonary functions test.

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at SMS Medical College Jaipur Rajasthan. A total of 140 subjects were selected. Apparently healthy subjects, 70 smokers and 70 non-smokers between age group of 18-25 years without any symptoms were included as study subjects. After taking proper history, clinical examination and height and weight were measured. Spirometry has to be done on selected subjects using ATS criteria (American Thoracic Society criteria).

Result: From this study the data indicates that smoking is strongly associated with abnormal pattern of pulmonary function test. Pulmonary function test parameters (FVC, FEVI, FVC/FEV1, PEFR) was significantly low in smokers as compared to non- smokers. 41.4% of the smokers had obstructive, 8.5% had normal, 30% had restrictive, and 20% had mixed pattern on spirometry. 78.5% of the non‑smokers had normal, 17.1% had obstructive, 0% had restrictive and 42% had mixed pattern on spirometry. This association was statistically significant (p value< 0.05).

Conclusion: Pulmonary function test parameters were observed to be higher in non-smokers group. Obstructive pattern of pulmonary function test was common amongst the smokers. This differences in respiratory pattern in young adults of both groups suggesting that smoking has to impacts on lung functions. Spirometry is helpful in the early detection of respiratory dysfunctions in smoking and non-smoking persons who are asymptomatic.