Comparison of demographic, clinical, spirometry, and radiological parameters between smoking and non-smoking COPD patients in rural Gujarat, India.

Abstract

A total of 20% of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD) patients are non-smokers due to preventable causes, such as biomass fuel exposure, post tuberculous sequelae, occupational exposure, air pollution, persistent chronic asthma, and genetic predisposition. To compare smokers and non-smokers with COPD. An observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital on 60 patients diagnosed with COPD, (GOLD criteria), who were divided into smoker and non-smoker groups. Demographic data, clinical profile, smoking history, and radiological data were collected and compared. Exclusion criteria were individuals having active pulmonary tuberculosis and reversible air flow limitations. Using STATA 14.2, quantitative and qualitative data were presented using descriptive statistics. A total of 100% of smokers were male, whereas 70% of non-smokers were female. Compared to non-smokers (16.67%), smokers (26.6%) presented with higher grade of dyspnea. A statistically significant difference was seen with more smokers diagnosed as severe (40%) and very severe (30%) COPD compared to non-smokers with mild (16.67%) and moderate (46.67%) COPD (<i>P</i> < 0.012), Post bronchodilator FEV₁ among smokers (42.63) compared to non-smokers (56.63) (<i>P</i> < 0.01) and decrease in FEV₁ as the grade of dyspnea increased (<i>P</i> < 0.002). Compared to 36.67% in non-smokers, 70% smokers showed emphysematous x-rays. In our study we found majority of non-smokers to be female, and smokers had a higher grade of dyspnea, more severe COPD, lower post bronchodilator FEV₁, and more emphysematous changes on x-rays.