[Effects of aging in smokers on respiratory function].

A test was carried out to investigate the effect of aging in smokers and non-smokers on respiratory function, for which forced vital capacity (FVC), % forced vital capacity (%FVC), % forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1.0%) and peak expiratory flow volume (PF) were studied. The results obtained were as follows. Subjects selected were 560 adult male smokers (smoking group) and 282 male adults with no smoking habit (non-smoking group) who were aged 22 to 59 years and with no anamnesis of serious heart disease and respiratory disorders. A total a mount of smoking was calculated using Brinkman Index (BI). 1. Each measured value index. Measured values including FVC, FEV1.0% and PF were decreased with aging together with the increase in Brinkman Index (BI). Each measured value showed a low level in smoking group as compared to that in non-smoking group. A significant decrease, in particular, of FEV1.0% shown in those aged 25 to 44 years suggested that air way obstructive ventilatory impairment resulting from smoking is manifested itself in younger generation. 2. Correlation among aging, FEV1.0% and PF. The correlation was as follows, i.e., in non-smoking group Y = -0.354X + 95.83 (r = -0.708) and Y = -0.069X + 10.82 (r = 0.720) in FEV1.0% and in PF respectively. Negative correlation also was observed in smoking group, that is, Y = -0.306X + 90.48 (r = 0.467) and Y= -0.084X + 10.93 (r = -0.594) in FEV1.0% and PF respectively. These indicate the decrease in values with aging, in particular, in smoking group that showed a marked lowering in PF.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)