A study on effect of smokeless tobacco on pulmonary function tests in class IV workers of USM-KLE (Universiti Sains Malaysia-Karnataka Lingayat Education Society) international medical programme, Belagavi

Abstract

Background: Tobacco use is become a public health issue in India and worldwide as well. Due of vigorous efforts towards increasing awareness of the adverse effects of tobacco, smoking has declined and the use of smokeless tobacco has been increased paradoxically among adolescents considering it as safe alternatives of smoking. Through previous studies, it is known that tobacco smoking can adversely affect the respiratory system, yet there are very few studies that have thrown light on the deleterious effects of smokeless tobacco on respiratory system. Objective: To evaluate effect of tobacco chewing on Pulmonary Functions and to compare the results with non-tobacco chewers in class 4 workers of USM KLE International Medical Programme, Belagavi. Methods: Pulmonary function tests were carried out on a total 130 volunteering male and female participants, in the age group of 25-55 years. Spirometric parameters such as Forced Vital Capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume in 1st second, FEV1/FVC ratio, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate, Forced expiratory flow between 0.2 to 1.2 L of expiration, Maximum mid expiratory flow rate or FEF25-75 and Maximal Voluntary Ventilation were compared between 65 tobacco users and 65 apparently healthy, non tobacco users of same socioeconomic status matched for age, sex, height and weight. Results: There was significant reduction in the values of all PFT parameters except FEV1/FVC in tobacco chewers compared to non tobacco chewers (p<0.001), suggesting restrictive impairment in tobacco chewers. Conclusion: Hence we conclude that the use of smokeless tobacco in the form of chewing has deleterious effects on lung functions that could be attributed to oxidative stress caused by smokeless tobacco.