Effects of smoking cessation on lung function and airway inflammation in smokers with asthma

Chaudhuri, R., Livingston, E., McMahon, A. D., Lafferty, J., Fraser, I., Spears, M., McSharry, C. P. and Thomson, N. C. (2006) Effects of smoking cessation on lung function and airway inflammation in smokers with asthma. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 174(2), pp. 127-133. (doi: 10.1164/rccm.200510-1589OC)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/rccm.200510-1589OC

Abstract

<b>Rationale:</b> Active smoking in asthma is associated with worsening of symptoms, accelerated decline in lung function, and impaired response to corticosteroids.<p></p> <b>Objectives:</b> To examine the short-term effects of smoking cessation on lung function, airway inflammation, and corticosteroid responsiveness in smokers with asthma.<p></p> <b>Methods and Measurements:</b> Smokers with asthma were given the option to quit or continue smoking. Both groups underwent spirometry and induced sputum at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 wk. Cutaneous vasoconstrictor response to topical beclometasone, airway response to oral prednisolone, and sensitivity of peripheral blood lymphocytes to corticosteroids were measured before smoking cessation and at 6 wk.<p></p> <b>Main Results:</b> Of 32 subjects recruited, 11 opted to continue smoking (smoking control group). Of 21 subjects who opted for smoking cessation, 10 quit smoking for 6 wk (quit group). In the comparison of quitters with smokers at 6 wk, the mean (confidence interval [CI]) difference in FEV<sub>1</sub> was 407 ml (21, 793), p = 0.040, and the proportion of sputum neutrophils was reduced by 29 (51, 8), p = 0.039. Total cutaneous vasoconstrictor response score to topical beclometasone improved after smoking cessation with a mean (CI) difference of 3.56 (0.84, 6.28), p = 0.042, between quitters and smokers. There was no change in airway corticosteroid responses after smoking cessation.<p></p> <b>Conclusions:</b> By 6 wk after smoking cessation, subjects who quit smoking had achieved considerable improvement in lung function and a fall in sputum neutrophil count compared with subjects who continued to smoke. These findings highlight the importance of smoking cessation in asthma.<p></p>

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:McMahon, Dr Alex and Spears, Dr Mark and Thomson, Professor Neil and Chaudhuri, Dr Rekha and Lafferty, Mrs Jane and McSharry, Dr Charles
Authors: Chaudhuri, R., Livingston, E., McMahon, A. D., Lafferty, J., Fraser, I., Spears, M., McSharry, C. P., and Thomson, N. C.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
Journal Name:American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Publisher:American Thoracic Society
ISSN:1073-449X
ISSN (Online):1535-4970

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