Changes in airway resistance with cumulative numbers of cigarettes smoked

This work was performed with smokers of Virginia tobacco cigarettes without taking into consideration brand or type of cigarettes. An experimental study was conducted for the variation of cigarettes number and the increments in airway resistance for both normal and respiratory disordered subjects using body plethysmograph for testing individuals. Seventeen (17) nonsmokers and ten smokers were studied. The investigation evaluated respiratory function in both smokers and nonsmokers: their airway resistances were recorded, and relationships between height, weight and age were documented. The findings reveal that smoking of higher numbers of self-reported cumulative cigarettes was associated with higher airway resistance and higher total airway resistance. Comparisons of age, height and weight versus airway resistance revealed only slight changes in comparison to those associated with cumulative lifetime cigarette consumption.