Assessment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease among Smoker and Non-Smoker: A Hospital Based Prospective Study

ABSTRACT

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent airflow limitation that is typically progressive and associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways and lung tissue to harmful particles or gases. The present study was conducted to assess the cases of COPD among smokers and non- smokers. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 50 subjects of both genders. Subjects diagnosed based on history, clinical examination and spirometric criteria were included. Subjects were divided into 2 groups. Group I (25) were those who were habit of smoking since 20 years and group II who were non- smokers. Results: Age group 20-30 years had 3 subjects in group I and 4 subjects in group II, 30-40 years had 7 subjects in group I and 6 in group II, 40-50 years had 9 subjects in group I and 7 in group II and >50 years had 6 subjects in group I and 8 in group II. The difference was non- significant. In group I, 10 subjects were from urban and 18 were from rural area and 15 were from urban and 7 were from rural area in group II. The difference was non- significant. 12 subjects in group I and 20 in group II had history of occupational exposure, 10 in group I and 18 in group II history of environmental exposure and 6 in group I and 17 in group II history of bio mass fuel usage. The difference was significant. Conclusion: COPD is a common respiratory disease mostly associated with smokers. However, environmental factors, occupational factors also play an important among non- smokers.