Comparative Analysis of Clinical Features in Former Versus Current Smoker Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine the clinical differences between former and current smoker chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Material and Methods: Demographic characteristics, smoking history, emergency admissions and hospitalizations in the last year were questioned in patients with COPD admitted to the chest diseases outpatient clinic. The assistive devices they used such as oxygen concentrators and bilevel positive airway pressure (BIPAP) were recorded. Exercise capacity was assessed by 6-minute walk test, dyspnea perception by Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, quality of life by St. George Respiratory Questionnaire, psychological symptoms by Hospital Anxiety Depression Questionnaire, comorbidity severity by Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Mann-Whitney U test and the chi-square test were used to compare group data. Results: Of the 447 COPD patients, 111 (24.83%) continued to smoke. Former smokers were significantly older than current smokers (p=0.014). Current smokers exhibited significantly lower body mass index values (p=0.002). The amount of cigarette consumption (pack/year), the number of emergency admissions and hospitalizations in the last year was higher in current smokers (p=0.002, p<0.001, p=0.001). BIPAP and oxygen concentrator use, presence of cardiovascular disease and CCI score were higher in former smokers than in current smokers (p<0.05). Conclusion: The number of emergency visits and hospitalizations is higher in COPD patients who continue to smoke.