ANALYSIS OF EFFECTS OF SMOKING ON LUNG FUNCTION, AND RESPIRATORY MUSCLE STRENGTH OF PAKISTANI YOUTH

Introduction: In the present era, cigarette smoking is a major but preventable cause of death. Despite being aware of its harmful and hazardous effects, many young adults begin experimenting with cigarettes at a very early age and then adopt it as a regular habit. Objectives of the study: The basic objective of our study is to analyze the effects of smoking on lung function, and respiratory muscle strength of Pakistani youth. Methodology of the study: This study was conducted at Services institute of medical sciences, Lahore during 2017. Youth male subjects aged 12 to 18 years participated in this cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic values and medical history of the selected patients were recorded clearly. Prior to participation in this study, each subject signed an informed consent form to comply with the ethical guidelines. Results: Most subjects started cigarette smoking between the ages of 15 to 18 years. The most common duration of cigarette smoking was 1–3 years. Three major parameters, chest expansion, lung function using spirometry, and respiratory muscle strength, were compared and these all are high in smokers. Conclusion: It is concluded that most of the people started smoking in young age due to environmental and social factors. It is also observed that chest expansion is greater in smokers as compared to non-smokers and smokers suffer ore from respiratory diseases as compared to non-smokers.

Key words: Smokers, social, lungs, respiratory