Analysis of COPD: Distinguishing Characteristics and Management of Smoking vs Never Smoking Patients
Abstract
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant public health issue characterized by gradually worsening airflow limitation. It is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, yet research on COPD patients who have never smoked is limited. This study aims to document the demographic, symptomatic, and therapeutic characteristics of COPD patients receiving outpatient pulmonary care in Hungary, focusing on smoking history, and evaluate their distribution according to the GOLD A/B/E classification. Methods: The study recorded demographic data, symptom severity, occurrence of severe and moderate exacerbations, treatment, comorbidities, quality of life, and COVID-19 vaccination status among COPD patients from November 2021 to January 2023. A total of 6974 patients were categorized into current smokers, former smokers, and never smokers. Results: Patients had an average age of 67.2± 8.9 years, with 48.2% male and 51.8% female. Of participants, 86.1% had a smoking history, while 13.9% had never smoked. COPD patients who had never smoked showed significantly better quality of life (CAT: 15.2± 7.6 vs 15.8± 6.9; p=0.006), oxygen saturation (SpO 2 %: 96.7± 2.3 vs 95.8± 2.4; p< 0.001), higher body mass index (BMI: 29.4± 5.9 vs 27.1± 6.3; p< 0.001), and better lung function (FEV 1 ref%: 67.9± 20.7 vs 58.9± 18.1; p< 0.001) compared to smokers. However, non-smoking COPD patients had a higher frequency of comorbidities (3.5± 2.2 vs 2.9± 2.1; p< 0.05). These…
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