A Study of Lung Function Differences Between Smokers and NonSmokers

Introduction: Smoking is a significant global health issue, with a rising prevalence among younger populations, and is known to detrimentally impact the respiratory system. Lung function tests may reveal a decline in pulmonary function before the emergence of clinical symptoms, allowing for early detection and intervention. Cigarette smoking contributes to the onset of malignancies, cardiovascular illnesses, and respiratory conditions, including COPD. It presents a health issue in mitigating morbidity and mortality in developing nations such as India. Spirometry in smokers may indicate a decline in lung function metrics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in conducted at Nalanda medical college and hospital, Patna, Bihar on 107 smokers and non-smokers asymptomatic male subjects. Spirometry by RMS Helios spirometer 401 was conducted according to American Thoracic society guidelines after enrolling the subject based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and collected data was analysed with independent t-test was used to compare smokers and non-smokers Results: The groups were comparable in the parameters of weight, height, and age, and body mass index. The mean FEV₁, FVC, and PEFR values were considerably lower in smokers than in non-smokers (p < 0.05). Smokers also had a lower FEV₁/FVC ratio, which suggests an obstructive pattern of lung damage. Lower spirometric indices show that smokers have substantially worse lung function than non-smokers. Conclusion: All lung function test values exhibit a considerable reduction in asymptomatic smokers compared to non-smokers. Consequently, performing spirometry, particularly in smokers, may facilitate the early detection of cases and subsequently reduce morbidity.