Effects of daily cigarette consumption on respiratory symptoms and lung function in a general population sample of north-Italian men.
We assessed the respiratory effects of the number of cigarettes smoked daily (CIGD) in 748 male smokers of a general population sample living in the unpolluted area of the Po Delta (Italy). A standardized questionnaire, flow-volume curves (V/V), the diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) and the slope of the alveolar plateau of nitrogen (DN2%/l) were used. Subjects were divided according to the median value of the observed distribution of CIGD (1-19, 20+) and according to the tertile values of the observed distribution of pack-years (an index representing lifetime cigarette consumption; 1-7, 8-21, 22+). In those with a higher CIGD, the prevalence rate of chronic phlegm was always significantly increased, while the prevalence rate of wheeze was significantly higher if they had smoked 8+ pack-years. Using analysis of variance, adjusted for pack-years, DLCO indexes, FEF75-85 and Vmax75 were significantly reduced in those with higher CIGD. When multiple logistic models, accounting for the independent effects of age and pack-years, were used, significantly increased odds ratios (ORs) for symptoms (e.g. OR = 2.0 for phlegm, OR = 1.8 for cough, OR = 1.6 for wheeze) and abnormal DLCO (OR = 1.9) or DN2%/l (OR = 1.6) were associated with a daily consumption of 10 cigarettes. In conclusion, the amount of cigarettes currently smoked may add a negative effect to that caused by lifetime cigarette consumption on respiratory symptoms and lung function. Moreover, the use of diffusing capacity in general population surveys is advisable.
Viegi
G
G
CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, University of Pisa, Italy.
Paoletti
P
P
Vellutini
M
M
Carrozzi
L
L
Di Pede
F
F
Baldacci
S
S
Modena
P
P
Pedreschi
M
M
Di Pede
C
C
Giuntini
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002648:Child; D003371:Cough / Q000209:etiology; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012423:Rural Health; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires