Effect of Smog-Induced Pollution on the Biochemical Profile of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients in the Faisalabad Region
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Abstract
Background: Seasonal smog is a major environmental health concern in Faisalabad, Pakistan, where elevated particulate matter may worsen respiratory impairment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Objective: This study evaluated pulmonary function and selected biochemical and hematological parameters among COPD patients and healthy controls during the peak smog season. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted at the Pulmonology Department of Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, from November 2025 to January 2026. Forty participants were enrolled, including 20 clinically diagnosed COPD patients and 20 healthy controls. Environmental data, demographic characteristics, spirometric parameters, routine biochemical markers, and hematological indices were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent sample comparisons, and correlation analysis. Results: PM₁₀ peaked at 240 µg/m³ and PM₂.₅ at 160 µg/m³ during December. COPD severity was associated with significant spirometric decline, with FEV₁ decreasing from 72.4 ± 1.4% in mild disease to 44.5 ± 2.4% in severe disease, while FVC declined from 86.1 ± 0.8% to 63.1 ± 2.8% and FEV₁/FVC from 71.9 ± 0.7% to 53.5 ± 0.9% (p < 0.001). Routine biochemical and hematological parameters showed mild variability in selected participants. Conclusion: COPD patients demonstrated clinically meaningful severity-related pulmonary impairment during the smog season, while biochemical changes were mild and exploratory. Larger longitudinal studies with direct exposure assessment and advanced biomarkers are warranted.
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