Lung Function In Indian Adult Subjects

Abstract

An analysis on 1247 (mainly southern) Indian adults (739 Males) is presented. Prediction equations for VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV2, FEV3, PEF, DMBC and MV are given. As predicted values were lower by 20-24 per cent as compared to normal values for white subjects, the factors contributing were analysed. For tobacco smoking, at higher levels, the function was lower, but at lower scores the function was higher than in non-smokers. In general, the standardized (for age and height) values were lower for both sexes for FVC and FEV1. There was a distinct relationship between FVC, FEV1 and socioeconomic status, the values being lower (p<0.05) in the males of lower strata. There was no clear relationship with daily physical activity, the values being lower in those doing strenuous exertion. This is thought to be due to interaction of economic factors. In male smokers and in females, the southern Indians had significantly lower values than the northern Indians. There was no relation of lung function with previous chest illnesses or frequent colds, or skin allergy. Thus, it is concluded that, economic (nutritional) factors may largely account for differences in lung function among Indians and other ethnic groups.