Influence of cardiopulmonary system dysfunction on the quality of life in young smokers with bronhial asthma

The aim of the study is to assess the influence of cardiopulmonary system dysfunction on the quality of life of young smokers with persistent bronchial asthma (BA). Materials and Methods. During the trial 128 young people were examined, including 93 patients with persistent bronchial asthma and 35 healthy non-smokers, who formed the control group. Mean sample age was 27.9±3.0. The effect of smoking on the functional state of the pulmocardial system was assessed by dividing the BA patients into a group of smokers (46 people, experimental group) and a group of nonsmokers (47 people, control group). Spirometry (“Spirosift-3000", Fukuda Denshi Corp., Japan) and loading test with 6-minute walking (“Spirodoc", Italy) were used to assess the functional state of cardiopulmonary system. The intensity of respiratory tract inflammation, induced by smoking and the underlying disease, and carboxyhemoglobin level were determined from the fraction of carbon monoxide in the exhaled air (Micro CO monitor, Smoke Check Monitor, UK). ACT test (Asthma Control Test) was used to evaluate the degree of BA control. Russian modification of SF-36 questionnaire helped to assess the quality of life. Smoking status was determined in accordance with the recommendations adopted in Russia. Results. Studying the BA effects on the quality of life, we found that persistent BA worsens all parameters of its quality (except for the role-emotional functioning). It was found out that a number of important characteristics of smoking status, such as experience of smoking, relieving nervous tension through smoking and nicotine dependence (Fagerstrom test), significantly worsen both physical and psychological health components. The more persons are subjected to smoking, the greater their quality of life decreases. Thus, 4, 5 and 10 year smoking experience worsens 50 %, 80 % and 90 % characteristics of physical and psychological health respectively (p