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Lung function in asymptomatic cigarette smokers--the single breath nitrogen test.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine
|April 1, 1976
Summary
The single breath nitrogen (SBN) test detects early lung function abnormalities in young smokers, even when spirometry results are normal. This sensitive test highlights smoking-related lung changes before significant disease develops.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for lung disease.
- Early detection of lung function abnormalities is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sensitivity of the single breath nitrogen (SBN) test in detecting lung function abnormalities in young asymptomatic smokers.
- To compare SBN test results with simple spirometry in this population.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 101 asymptomatic male smokers and 20 non-smokers aged 18-39 years.
- Lung function was assessed using a modified single breath nitrogen (SBN) test and simple spirometry.
Main Results:
- 39% of smokers demonstrated abnormal lung function.
- The SBN test identified abnormalities in 28% of light and 56% of heavy smokers, while only 3% were abnormal by spirometry.
- Only one non-smoker had an abnormal SBN test.
Conclusions:
- The single breath nitrogen (SBN) test is a sensitive tool for detecting early lung function changes in young cigarette smokers.
- The SBN test can reveal abnormalities not detected by standard spirometry.
- The clinical significance of these SBN test abnormalities regarding future chronic obstructive lung disease requires further investigation.