Early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in asymptomatic smokers using spirometry – a hospital based study

Abstract

Background

Smokers with suspected COPD seek medical attention when they become dyspnoeic on mild to moderate exertion, but by than half of the ventilatory reserves are lost irreversibly. Hence it seems logical to diagnose COPD early before development of significant symptoms. Since smoking cessation in early COPD is found to reduce rapid decline of ventilatory function in smokers, its early detection in asymptomatic smokers is likely to motivate smokers to make an attempt to quit smoking thereby halting its progression to more advanced stage.

Material and Methods

The study was conducted at Sher-i-Kashmir institute of Medical sciences , Medical college, Bemina ,Srinagar in total number of 350 males subjects . Those are regular smokers, 30 years of age and above with no significant respiratory symptoms except for occasional cough and willing to undergo spirometry. The study was prospective in design. All ethical considerations were taken care of during the study and the recruitment process was started only after ethical clearance from the Institutional Ethical Committee as per norms and all the individuals gave their informed consent to participate in the study. The informed consent taken in local language.

Results

A total of 350 males were evaluated by spirometry. Overall airway obstruction was seen in 43 (12.2%) subjects. Mild obstruction was seen in 42(97.7%) and moderate obstruction in 1 (2.35%) subjects. Among these, 16 (38.9%) were between the age groups of 35-45, 18(42.8%) were in the age group of 45-55, 8(19.04%) were in the age of more than ISSN:2347-6567 International Journal of Allied Medical Sciences and Clinical Research (IJAMSCR) 55 years and moderate obstruction (GOLD Stage 2) was seen in 1 (2.35%) who was in the age group of 35-45. Obstructive pattern was observed in 40 out of 90 subjects, with smoking index >200 and 3 out of 260 subjects with smoking index of ?200, which was statistically significant (p-value <0.005).

Conclusion

Early detection of COPD by spirometry especially in smokers more than 40 years of age and with smoking index of more than 200 is likely to reduce the overall burden of disease.