Effects of Smoking on Chest Expansion,Lung Function,and Respiratory Muscle Strength of Youths

[Purpose] Smoking has a direct effect on the respiratory system. The rate of cigarettesmoking among young people has continued to increase steadily. The present studyquantified and compared the respiratory function of smoking and non-smoking youths.[Subjects] Smoking and non-smoking male participants aged between 15 to 18 years wererecruited (n=34 per group). [Methods] Participants were asked to complete a questionnairerelating to smoking habits and the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence questionnaire,and their respiratory function was tested (measurement of chest expansion, lung functiontest with a spirometer, and assessment of respiratory muscle strength). [Results] Allrespiratory function tests demonstrated significant differences between the smoking andnon-smoking groups. Smokers initiated cigarette smoking between the ages of 15 to 18years. The most common duration of cigarette smoking was 1-3 years and the degree ofnicotine dependence among the youths was at a low level. [Conclusion] This study’sfindings show that the early effects of cigarette smoking found in youths can lead toproblems with the respiratory system. Such information can be used to illustrate the harmof smoking and should be used to encourage young people to quit or avoid cigarettesmoking.Key words: Cigarette smoking, Youth, Respiratory function