Shahid Hasan, Nabeeh I A V Rakkah, Sohail Attaur.
Effect of smoking on respiratory pressures and lung volumes in young adults.
Biomedica Jan ;29(2):96-100.

Background: A limited number of studies have reported respiratory muscle strength as an early indicator of pulmonary dysfunction in younger age groups. Hence this study was carried out to analyze the same in young Saudi males. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of smoking habits on respiratory muscle strength in young Saudi males. Methods: A total of 376 young subjects were inducted. The respiratory muscle strength was studued through PImax, PEmax and MVV. Dynamic lung volumes included FVC, FEV1, FEV1 / FVC ratio and FEF25-75. Smoking was quantified by estimating the total number of cigarettes smoked and the smoking behavior of subjects was categorized as: (1) never smoked; (2) smoking < 15 cigarettes a day; and (3) smoking > 15 cigarettes a day. The non-smokers formed the control group. Former smokers were not included. Respiratory muscle strength and dynamic lung volumes were measured by a dry electronic spirometer. Results: Deteriorating effect of smoking was found on respiratory muscle strength, lung volumes and airflow parameters in our sample. Mild smokers showed a 5.39% decrease in FEF25-75 whereas a 01% increase in FEV1 / FVC ratio compared to non-smokers. In heavy smokers both FEF25-75% and FEV1 / FCV% were decreased by 14.7% and 3.1% respectively. PI max was insignificant in mild smokers and heavy smokers whereas PE max was significant in heavy smokers p > 0.03. Conclusion: Smoking was related to decline in respiratory muscle strength, lung volumes and airflow obstruction as well. This study indicated a positive dose response relationship of smoking and pulmonary dysfunction.

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