Study of pulse oximetric and spirometric parameters in smokers

Abstract

Objective : To study the symptoms, pulse oximetric and spirometric parameters in smokers with respect to pack years and to know the effects of smoking on lung function, in adults, by measuring the FEV₁, FVC, FEV₁/FVC, FEF_25-75. Patients and Methods : The current study was an observational cross sectional study conducted in a tertiary care hospital over a period of one year. 100 subjects more than 21 years of age, smokers, who had been smoking for 2 years or more, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic were recruited. Spirometry and pulse oximetry were done. Results : 93% of our subjects had no physical findings, 5% had clubbing, 1% had thyroid swelling and kyphoscoliosis each. Fall of FEV₁ came out to be significant in subjects with a history of >10 pack years of smoking (p 0.0001). FEV₁ 80% was observed in 21% of 43 subjects with a 10 pack years of smoking, 65% of 40 subjects with a smoking history of 11-20 pack years, 73% of 11 subjects with a smoking history of 21-30 pack years and 80% of 5 subjects with a smoking history of 31-40 pack years. 43 subjects in the 1-10 pack years group had SpO₂ of 95% , 40 in the 11-20 pack years group had 95% SPO₂, 11 in the 21-30 pack years group had 96%, 5 in the 31-40 pack years group had 97% and 1 in the >40 pack years, group had 97%. Conclusion : Smoking remains a potential hazard to life as it severely affects lung functions as demonstrated by changes in spirometric and oximetric values.