Non-smoker COPD: pilot study from central India

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) is an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and has been strongly related to tobacco smoking. Aims and Objective: Most studies on COPD have concentrated on smokers. Our data demonstrated that the risk of COPD in non smokers is higher than previously believed. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study.180 non-smoker COPD patients were selected from the year 2016-2018. History with questionnaires was taken and subsequent spirometry results were evaluated. They were categorized into Mild, Moderate, Severe and Very Severe COPD according to GOLD Guidelines followed by questionnaires. Results: Out of 180 non-smoker COPD patients, 54% were females. The percentage of mild, moderate, severe and very severe patients according to GOLD Guidelines was 26%, 53%, 58% and 43% respectively. The distribution of patients according to exposure was biomass gas-83 patients (46.11%), toxic gases(26.66%). The most common co-morbidity among non-smoker COPD was hypertension(34.4%) followed by diabetes mellitus(17.77%). In our study 61% patients belonged to rural areas and 38% belonged to urban areas.(Image1). Conclusions: The study shows non-smokers form an important part of COPD patients. Exposure to industrial smoke, environmental pollution and household smoke are major contributors for COPD in non-smokers. There is a need to study this subset of non-smokers having COPD.