Role of Spirometry in the Early Detection of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Among Smokers in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and  remains under diagnosed, particularly among smokers. Early detection using spirometry may play a pivotal role to  improve clinical outcomes and reduce disease progression.  Objectives: To evaluate the role of spirometry in the early diagnosis of COPD among smokers in a tertiary care  teaching hospital.  Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 150 adult smokers who attended Bangladesh Medical College Hospital,  Dhaka, from January 2024 to December 2025. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, smoking history,  and occupation. COPD was diagnosed by spirometry based on a post-bronchodilator FEV₁/FVC ratio of less than 0.70.  Disease severity was graded according to GOLD criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 15.0 software.  Results: The mean age of the participants was 46.8 ± 11.2 years, and 88% were male. COPD was detected in 30.7% of  the subjects. A significant association was observed between COPD and smoking exposure (p = 0.013), as well as  occupational status (p = 0.027). Most cases were mild to moderate in severity. Approximately 28% of the individuals  diagnosed with COPD were asymptomatic.  Conclusion: For early detection of COPD among smokers, including those with minimal symptoms spirometry may  play an effective tool. To reduce disease burden routine screening among high-risk populations may facilitate timely  intervention.  Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2026; 14 (2): 104-109