Impact of Urban Smog Exposure on Respiratory Health Outcomes Among the Population Of Lahore. A Cross-Sectional Clinical Study: Smog Exposure and Pulmonary Outcomes

Hassan Ali; Abdul Rahman; Muhammad Ali Haider

doi:10.69750/dmls.02.011.0161

Authors

Hassan Ali Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Abdul Rahman Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Muhammad Ali Haider Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex, Lahore., Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69750/dmls.02.011.0161

Keywords:

Smog, Respiratory Health, Lung Function, Air Pollution, Lahore, PM2.5, Spirometry

Abstract

Background: Smog is a critical social health concern on the country, and the pollution exposes millions of the population to dangerous events including PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone. The effect of these pollutants is very negative to the respiratory system.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of smog exposure on the respiration health outcomes of people in Lahore.

Methods: A cross-sectional clinical study was carried out on 100 individuals who were recruited at different hospitals in Lahore in the smog season (October -December 2024). Structured questionnaires on the symptoms, duration of exposure, and preventive practices were used to collect the data. Spirometry was used to assess the lung functioning. The analysis of data was performed with the help of SPSS 26, and a p value under 0.05 was estimated as significant.

Results: Most participants (72) spent an average of over 2 hours out every day, and 64% did not use protective masks. Airflow symptoms were also very common with cough (78) out of throat irritation (73) out of eye irritation (64) out of shortness of breath (59) out of wheeze (42) out of chest tightness (48). Spirometry showed that 28% of them had a pattern of obstruction and 20% had restrictive pattern and only 52% had the normal lung functionality.

Conclusion: The level of smog is closely linked to the development of respiratory symptoms and poor lung functioning in the officials of Lahore. There is need to increase on the population health awareness, preventive actions, and tightening of the environmental control to cut the respiratory burden due to smog.

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