Impact of Smoking on Respiratory Function in Young Women

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of cigarette smoking on selected respiratory functions in young women. Method: A total of 40 young women voluntarily participated in the study. Participants were divided into non-smoker (n = 20; age: 19.8 ± 1.54 years, height: 163.05 ± 6.64 cm, body weight: 55.6 ± 6.79 kg) and smoker groups (n = 20; age: 20.2 ± 1.82 years, height: 163.5 ± 4.59 cm, body weight: 55.4 ± 11.45 kg). All participants were apparently healthy and reported engaging in regular light-to-moderate physical activity as part of their daily routines; however, none were involved in organized or competitive sports training programs. The smoker group consisted of individuals who reported daily cigarette smoking for at least three consecutive years, while the non-smoker group included participants with no history of smoking or substance dependence. Respiratory function parameters were assessed using a spirometer under standardized conditions. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Data normality was evaluated using the Shapiro–Wilk test, and since the data were not normally distributed, group comparisons were conducted using the Mann–Whitney U test. The level of statistical significance was set at α = 0.05. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in all measured respiratory parameters-including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), FEV₁/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory flow at 25-75% of vital capacity (FEF₂₅-₇₅), vital capacity (VC), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV)-with consistently higher values recorded in the non-smoker group (p