Early detection and diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in asymptomatic male smokers and ex-smokers using spirometry

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a great role for causing long-lasting morbidity of the body, also early death in addition to great cost for healthcare system. Tobacco smoking represents the most predominant risk factor for causing this disease. The early symptoms like cough and wheeze are commonly overlooked by the patients without good screening and then they will have dyspnea after doing mild to moderate exertion and when they reach this time, about half of the ventilatory reserve can be lost. The use of Spirometry represents the best standard to diagnose and follow up of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Aim of study: The study aimed to early detect and diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in asymptomatic male smokers and ex-smokers by spirometry.

Patients and methods: Consecutive asymptomatic male current smokers (n=100) and ex-smokers (n=100) were participated in screening. All Participants have no history of (COPD), asthma, chronic pulmonary illness or active pulmonary symptoms. Also, all of them not on bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, montelukast, or theophylline.

Results: A total of 100 asymptomatic male current smokers and 100 asymptomatic male ex-smokers were screened by using spirometer, the procedure of using spirometer was done according to the guidelines of American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society. Overall, airway obstruction was seen in 49% current smokers, 22% of patients had mild obstruction and 27% subjects. Thirteen patients (13%) had mild obstruction while 39% cases had moderate obstruction.

Conclusions: The early detection of COPD is very important for cessation of smoking in addition to prevent the exacerbation of COPD, improve pulmonary function, life quality and reduce mortality.