Association of Smoking Status with COPD in North Indian Population

Abstract

BackgroundThe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic inflammatory disease and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Smoking is the major risk factor in COPD. Smoking damages the air sacs, airway and the lining of the lungs and due to this lung have trouble moving enough air in and out making hard to breathe. Smoking may act as a trigger factor for many people who have COPD and can either cause an exacerbation or flare-up of symptoms. The present study aims to determine the association of smoking status with different stages of COPD and clinical symptoms in a North Indian population. MethodsThe present study was conducted on 160 stable COPD patients in the department of Respiratory Medicine, King George Medical University, Lucknow. ResultsOut of 160 patients enrolled there were 41.8% smokers, 24.3% non-smokers, and 33.7% ex-smokers. The present study found a significant association (p<0.02) of smoking status with different stages of COPD, although non-significant association (p=0.96) was observed between smoking status and clinical symptoms. ConclusionThe significant association of smoking status was observed with different stages of COPD while the non-significant association was observed with clinical symptoms in the present study in north Indian population. Smoking cessation will be helpful in reducing the progression and management of this disease in smokers. Key-wordsChronic Obstructive pulmonary disease, Smoking, Clinical symptoms, Gold stage INTRODUCTION Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a chronic inflammatory disease and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide [1] . It is a common, preventable and treatable disease, characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation that is due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities usually caused by significant exposure to noxious particles or gases. As per World Health Organization (WHO), three million people die from COPD each year [2] . It is estimated that more than 90% of COPD deaths occur in low and middle income countries [3] . COPD continues to be an important public health problem in India. It is independently associated with low-grade systemic inflammation, with a different inflammatory pattern than that observed in healthy subjects [4] . Systemic inflammation in COPD patients has been