Pulmonary Function in Young Smokers: Male-Female Differences^1,2

Abstract

To delineate the pattern of pulmonary function abnormalities and associated pathophysiologic mechanisms in young smokers, 205 volunteers between the ages of 18 and 25 were studied with a variety of pulmonary function tests. Differences between male and female smokers were observed. Pulmonary function abnormalities consistent with small airway dysfunction were noted in male smokers, but not in female smokers. Decreased forced expiratory flows at high lung volumes suggesting large airway dysfunction were noted in both male and female smokers. Decreases in diffusing capacity for CO consistent with abnormalities of the pulmonary vascular system were seen in smokers of both sexes, but were more prominent in females. Because men develop chronic obstruction pulmonary disease more frequently than do women even when adjustments for smoking are made, and because women develop primary pulmonary hypertension more frequently than do men, these chronic diseases may reflect distinct pathophysiologic response of the 2 sexes to agents such as cigarettes.

Smoking, exercise, and physical fitness

“…Smoking also appears to have rapid-onset negative effects on health and physiological functioning, including acute respiratory disease and reduced lung capacity (Beck, Doyle, & Schachter, 1981;Enjeti, Hazelwood, Permutt, Menkes & Terry, 1978;John, 1977). A related area of physiological functioning that is affected by cigarette smoking even among healthy young people is physical fitness (Bahrke, Poland, Baur, & Connors, 1988;Biersner, Gunderson, & Rahe, 1972;Conway & Cronan, 1988;Jensen, 1986).…”

The impact of smoking cessation on respiratory symptoms, lung function, airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation

“…Cross-sectional studies have shown that FEV1 is lowest in individuals without chronic symptoms who smoke, highest in those who have never smoked and intermediate in exsmokers [20,[35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42]. One exception is the finding that exsmokers aged w70 yrs tend to have lower lung function than smokers of the same age.…”

Assessment of bronchial responsiveness on exposure to isometric exercise during different phases of menstrual cycle: A pilot study

“…Departments of Physiology, AIIMS, Jodhpur, 1 Physiology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India These findings suggest a possible role of gonadal steroids in the cyclical variation of bronchial tone. The respiratory stimulating effect of progesterone is well known.…”

“…Epidemiological studies have demonstrated greater airway dysfunction in men than in women, even when corrected for smoking habits. [1] A menstrual rhythm has been documented for exacerbations of asthma, [2] and one-third of the female asthmatics reportedly suffer from 'premenstrual asthma' (PMA). [3] …”