Assessment of Smog Induced Lung Changes through High Resolution Computed Tomography in Urban Populations in Lahore
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v4i4.3047Keywords:
Smog, Air Pollution, Lahore, HRCT, PM₂.₅, Small Airway Disease, Air Trapping, Bronchial Wall ThickeningAbstract
Background: In Lahore, there is a recurring seasonal occurrence of smog with prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter. There is a concern about chronic respiratory morbidity and structural lung injury. Though symptoms have been reported during the smog season, there is limited evidence of smog-induced structural lung injury in the region. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of smog on the lungs using High-Resolution Computed Tomography scans in urban populations. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study design was used and conducted in Radiology department of Chaudhary Muhammad Akram Teaching & Research Hospital (CMAT & RH) with HRCT scan facilities in Lahore. A sample of 196 participants from the urban populations of Lahore, with a minimum duration of five years of residence in Lahore and symptoms of respiratory disease with routine outdoor exposure during the smog season, were included using a non-probability convenience sampling method. The participants were then subjected to HRCT scans. The HRCT scans were done using multi-detector computed tomography scanner. Results: The average age of participants was 38.80 ± 10.43 years. The average duration of stay in Lahore was 14.99 ± 8.88 years. The average duration of exposure to smog was 9.97 ± 5.79 years. The majority of participants were males (52.6%, n = 103), while females were 47.4% (n = 93). The majority of participants were non-smokers (91.3%, n = 179), while 8.7% (n = 17) were ex-smokers. The majority of participants suffered from cough (38.3%, n = 75), shortness of breath (38.3%, n = 75), wheezing (28.6%, n = 56), frequent episodes of respiratory tract infection (26.5%, n = 52), and chest pain/tightness (17.9%, n = 35). Conclusion: In the present study conducted in Lahore city, it has been observed that the participants exposed to long-term smog showed signs of lung damage in the form of abnormalities detectable through HRCT. The majority of participants showed signs of bronchial wall thickening and signs of air trapping. In addition, a small percentage of participants showed signs of lung damage in the form of emphysema.
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