Respiratory integrity is impaired in adults passive smokers exposed in household environment

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the respiratory integrity of adult passive smokers exposed in home environment. Methods: A total of 56 volunteers, divided into passive smokers group (GPS; n = 29) composed of family members of smokers and a control group (CG; n = 27) with no history of exposure. Initial evaluation was performed which consisted of personal data, anthropometric, blood pressure (BP), heart rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, respiratory rate. Then a questionnaire was administered to respiratory diseases, measured the carbon monoxide level in exhaled air and spirometry was performed. Results: Higher BP values were observed in the GPS. The GPS showed lower spirometric values in forced expiratory volume in one second (p <0.0342) and forced vital capacity (p <0.0291). Regarding the intensity of the symptoms we observed significant difference in the symptom related to itchy nose, in which the GPS reported higher intensity (p <0.002). Higher intensity was also reported in the GPS symptom in breathing more difficult in places that have a lot of dust or when the weather changes symptom (p <0.0001). Conclusion: Passive smokers presented impairment in their respiratory health characterized by a greater intensity of respiratory symptoms and alterations in lung function.