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

CONTEXT: 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. AIMS: To compare smokers and non-smokers with COPD. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: 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. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 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. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Using STATA 14.2, quantitative and qualitative data were presented using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: 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 (P < 0.012), Post bronchodilator FEV(1) among smokers (42.63) compared to non-smokers (56.63) (P < 0.01) and decrease in FEV(1) as the grade of dyspnea increased (P < 0.002). Compared to 36.67% in non-smokers, 70% smokers showed emphysematous x-rays. CONCLUSIONS: 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 FEV(1), and more emphysematous changes on x-rays.