Association between smoking cessation and obstructive spirometry pattern among Korean adults aged 40-79 years

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Smoking cessation is known to improve lung function.
• Limited research exists on the long-term effects of smoking cessation on lung function, particularly in Asian populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between smoking cessation status and obstructive spirometry patterns in Korean adults.
• To assess the impact of smoking cessation duration on lung function recovery.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 6,298 men and 8,088 women aged 40-79 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015-2019).
• Evaluation of smoking cessation status, including duration since quitting.
• Assessment of obstructive spirometry patterns using spirometry data.

Main Results:

• Current smokers exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of obstructive spirometry patterns compared to never-smokers in both men and women.
• In men, the likelihood of obstructive patterns decreased with longer cessation duration, but remained elevated even after 20 years of quitting.
• No significant association was found between smoking cessation and obstructive spirometry patterns in women.

Conclusions:

• Smoking cessation offers benefits for lung function, but long-lasting harm from smoking is possible.
• Complete lung function recovery after cessation may not always occur, especially in long-term male smokers.
• Emphasizes the critical importance of smoking prevention strategies.