A Cross-Sectional Study on COPD in Non-Smokers at King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam, India

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) poses a significant global health burden characterized by persistent airflow limitation and respiratory symptoms, primarily linked to environmental exposures. Objective: This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and management strategies specific to non-smoker COPD patients. Methods: Conducted at a prominent teaching hospital in Visakhapatnam, India, over two years, the study enrolled 30 non-smoking COPD patients aged 40 years and above. Diagnostic criteria included spirometry confirming FEV1/FVC < 0.70, supplemented by clinical evaluations and chest radiographs. Results: Participants were predominantly female (83.33%), rural residents (73.33%), and from lower-middle socio-economic backgrounds (53.33%). Biomass fuel exposure (66.66%), environmental tobacco smoke (53.33%), and pulmonary tuberculosis (32.74%) were identified as primary risk factors. Clinical manifestations included crepitations (26 patients), barrel chest (14 patients), and raised jugular venous pressure (11 patients). Conclusion: The study highlights the diverse epidemiological profile of non-smoker COPD and emphasizes the impact of biomass fuel exposure and environmental factors. Tailored health interventions are crucial to address regional disparities and promote early diagnosis and management. Future research should focus on larger studies to validate findings and explore emerging risk factors, enhancing global COPD management strategies.