Clinical Findings, Sputum Examinations, and Pulmonary Function Tests Related to the Smoking Habit of 500 Women

¹ Respiratory Research Laboratory, Toronto General Hospital, and the Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Clinical findings, sputum examinations and pulmonary function tests have been related to the smoking habit of 500 "normal" women between the ages of 25 and 54 years (183 nonsmokers, 62 exsmokers, 40 light, 92 moderate, and 123 heavy smokers). The prevalence of cough, sputum production, wheezing and shortness of breath increased progressively with the number of cigarettes smoked and approximately 46 percent of heavy smokers appear to have chronic bronchitis. Chest examination showed only minor abnormalities but these occurred more frequently in the smokers than in the nonsmokers. Although no malignant cells were found in any of the sputum specimens, the smokers showed more macrophages, giant cells, columnar cells, Curschmann's spirals and lymphocytes than the nonsmokers. The columnar cells showed more degenerative and irritative changes in the smokers than in the nonsmokers. The following pulmonary function tests showed statistically significant lower results in the smokers than in the nonsmokers: forced vital capacity, forced exipratory volume (one second), maximal mid-expiratory flow rate, specific conductance, and diffusing capacity and fractional uptake of carbon monoxide during exercise. The hematocrit was higher in the smokers compared with the nonsmokers. Cigarette smoking appears to have similar adverse effects on the respiratory system in women and men.