Abstract

Background: Inhalation of polluted air over a long period of time leads to proliferation and fibrotic changes in lungs. Early recognition of this damage provides an important clue to insure good health. Spirometery is an invaluable screening test to identify patients with air flow obstruction.

Objective: To study spirometric parameters in normal healthy Punjabi males of rural and urban areas between 20 and 50 years of age group

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted among 200 urban and 200 rural Punjabi males between 20 and 50 years of age in and around Patiala, Punjab. Pulmonary function tests were carried out in standing position, height was measured in centimeters, weight was measured in kilograms, and body surface area was read from “Nomogram” Dobous and Dobous.

Result: The ventilatory tests such as peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced expiratory flow (FEF)0.2%–1.2% and FEF25% measured by computerized spirometer (Med-spiror) showed a highly significant decline in urban subjects. While in rest of the parameters, there is statistically nonsignificant decrease in urban subjects. The cause of decline in flow volume in urban subjects is owing to industrial pollution (SO2, SO42-, NO2), suspended particulate matter and cumulative dust exposure, and exhaust emission of vehicles. The cause of better preserved lung function, especially the flow volumes in rural subjects is owing to excessive physical activity and because of nonexposure to pollution.

Conclusion: The strategies such as use of air purifiers, use of mask, better fuel for vehicles, proper and timely servicing of vehicles, regular health checkups, and awareness of effects of pollution on health need to be adopted for protection from air pollution.

Key words: PEFR, FEF0.2–1.2, FEF25%, air pollution, rural population