Abstract

N. Sree Keerthi*, B. Vyshnavi, S. Sai Charitha and Dr. N. Surendra Reddy

ABSTRACT

Smoking increases the risk of exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) resulting in the development of acute respiratory failure. Alcohol can also contribute to the risk of respiratory failure owing to its effects on the functional units of respiratory system. It is also evident from the previous reports that obesity is among such risk factors.[1] This study can add to the existing data focusing on alcoholism and smoking. Objectives: To determine the risk factors based on patient’s social habits, previous medical history. To identify the underlying cause for developing respiratory failure and to identify the allied clinical features. Results: This is a cross sectional study, where the data of 50 inpatients of TBCD (Tuberculosis and Chest Department) was collected using a specially designed proforma, between the period of October to November 2016. Out of 50 in patients, respiratory failure was seen mostly among males (66%) compared to females (34%), among whom smoking (48%) and alcoholism (38%) were the major risk factors. Cough, breathlessness and fever were most commonly observed symptoms related to respiratory problems. While decreased SpO2, decreased breath sounds and crepitations were most frequently observed characteristic features. Conclusion: Smoking and alcoholism abuse pose greater risk for many diseases. Hence, awareness has to be created among the public not only to follow the government instructions properly to have a control over their smoking and alcoholic habits, but also in sales of these illegal abusing products.