Study of lung functions in smokers and non-smokers in rural India.

Smoking is a common habit prevalent in both the urban and rural areas in India. Smoking is a well-known risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of lung diseases that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Pulmonary-function tests provide objective, quantifiable measures of lung function. The objective of the present study was to study and compare the pulmonary function tests among smokers and non-smokers in a rural area, to study the role of possible associated factors and relation of type, quantity and duration of smoking on the pulmonary function tests in Rural Maharashtra. The pulmonary function tests were assessed on computerized spirometer in 400 male subjects comprising of 200 smokers and 200 non smokers. Almost all the pulmonary function parameters were significantly reduced in smokers, more commonly in those aged 50 years and above. Obstructive pulmonary impairment was commonest among smokers. Thus by spirometry a spectrum of lung disorders may be detected at an early stage and subsequent morbidity can be minimized.