Abstract
Introduction: The deleterious effects of tobacco smoke on lung function are well known even among asymptomatic smokers. We hypothesized that the addition of pollution and undernutrition in a developing country would cause declines in lung function at lower levels of tobacco use than usually described.
Methods: We compared the spirometry of 249 asymptomatic smokers and 143 healthy never smokers in Bangalore, India. Smoking was quantified using the smoking index (cigarette years = cigarettes/day X years smoked). To adjust for differences in demographics between groups, we compared spirometric values as percentage of predicted (ECCS reference equations; race correction factor - 87%).
Results: Compared with never smokers, smokers with even a smoking index <50 cigarette years showed significantly lower lung FEV1, worsening with increasing cigarette use.
Conclusions: In an Indian population, the effects of cigarette smoke on lung function are seen earlier than is usually described; this may reflect greater susceptibility to cigarette smoke or the additive environmental effect including air pollution and undernutrition. The cause effect relationship needs to be worked out, but it is clear that it is never too early to quit smoking.
- © 2011 ERS