COPD, a progressive lung condition often associated with smoking, is increasingly being recognized in non-smokers—particularly women exposed to secondhand smoke over extended periods. The study sought to explore the relationship between prolonged passive smoking and the onset of COPD in women, shedding light on a preventable but often overlooked risk factor.

Between October 2022 and April 2023, the research team examined 2,360 women aged 40 years and older. Participants underwent a battery of assessments, including detailed respiratory questionnaires, lung function measurements through spirometry, and blood tests to detect inflammation. Based on their history of secondhand smoke exposure, they were divided into two groups: long-term passive smokers (LPS, 610 participants) and non-passive smokers (NPS, 1,750 participants).

Key Findings:

• Women in the long-term passive smoking (LPS) group showed significantly poorer respiratory health compared to those without passive smoke exposure.
• The LPS group had a lower average forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1: 2.97 vs 3.25 liters).
• Predicted FEV1 percentages were reduced in the LPS group.
• The LPS group had a lower FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio (83.3% vs 87.2%).
• Small airway function was more impaired in the LPS group, with reduced MEF75% (77.6 vs 86.1 L/s).
• MEF50% was lower in the LPS group (62.8 vs 89.4 L/s).
• Maximal mid-expiratory flow rate was also reduced in the LPS group (80.9 vs 87.5 L/s).
• Prevalence of preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) was almost twice as high in the LPS group (5.74% vs 2.91%).
• Women in the LPS group reported more frequent COPD exacerbations.
• The LPS group experienced more severe respiratory symptoms.
• Systemic inflammatory markers were higher in the LPS group.

The authors conclude that long-term passive smoking should be considered an independent risk factor for COPD in women, capable of accelerating disease progression and increasing both symptom burden and frequency of acute exacerbations. They argue that these findings strengthen the case for stricter public health measures aimed at minimizing secondhand smoke exposure, particularly in environments where women may be regularly exposed, such as homes or workplaces.

While the study provides compelling evidence, the researchers caution that certain limitations—such as potential selection bias and unmeasured lifestyle factors—could influence the results. They recommend that future large-scale, longitudinal studies be conducted to confirm these associations and further refine public health strategies.

“In the meantime, the message from this study is clear: for women, avoiding long-term exposure to secondhand smoke could play a crucial role in preventing the onset and progression of COPD,” the authors concluded.

Reference:

Liu Z, Jiao M, Lv J, Han Q. Increased Incidence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Women Due to Long-Term Passive Smoking. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2025;20:2745-2752. https://doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S534060

Keywords: DMFT score, buccal mucosa cancer, oral cancer prevention, oral hygiene indicators, dental caries, JCO Global Oncology, Abhijit Das, oral cancer screening, decayed missing filled teeth, inflammation and cancer, national oral health programs

Bengaluru: The Employees State Insurance Corporation Medical College PGIMSR, Rajajinagar (ESIC Medical College Bengaluru) has announced vacancies for the Senior Resident Post on a Contract Basis. The selection will be made on the basis of the performance of the candidate in an interview before the Selection Board.

ESIC is a statutory body constituted under an Act of Parliament (ESI Act, 1948) and works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India.

ESIC Vacancy Details:

Total no. of vacancies- 09

The Vacancies are in the Department of Emergency Medicine, Orthopaedics, and Respiratory Medicine.

The date for the walk-in interview is 12TH AUGUST 2025.

The venue and Reporting time for an interview is New Academic Block, ESIC Medical College PGIMSR & Model Hospital, Rajajinagar, Bangalore From 9.30 A.M to 10.30 A.M.

For more details about Qualifications, Age, Pay Allowance, and much more, click on the given link:
https://medicaljob.in/jobs.php?post_type=&job_tags=esic+Bengaluru&location=&job_sector=all

The following testimonials should be submitted at the time of Walk-in- Interview:

Duly filled in application form in the prescribed format (available on website www.esic.gov.in)should be brought during the walk-in interview with all the original certificates such as Matriculation Certificate (for proof of age), MBBS, Registration certificate with the KMC/MCI etc. and two passport size photographs along with 1 set of photocopies of all the certificates.

NO TA/DA will be admissible for interview or joining.

1. Rule of Reservation will be implemented as per Govt. of India instructions.

2. The appointment shall not confer any right or preference for regular appointment.

3. No claim for any service benefit like, PF, Pension, Gratuity, Medical Allowance, Seniority, and Promotion & Leave will be admissible.

4. Candidates must be registered with Karnataka Medical Council or NMC/MCI before joining the post.

5. No TA/DA will be admissible for attending interview or joining duty.

6. ESI Corporation may increase or decrease or cancel filling up of any post without assigning any reasons at the discretion of the Appointing Authority.

7. The Senior Resident is a contract post for a period of 3 years contract under 3 years Senior Residency Scheme.

8. The application should be submitted in the prescribed format only at the time of interview. The applications found to be incomplete will be summarily rejected.

9. Candidates seeking reservation benefits for OBC/PH must ensure that they are entitled to such reservation as per eligibility prescribed in the Notice. They should also be in possession of the required certificates in the prescribed format in support of their claim as stipulated in this Notice. OBC candidates should ensure that they are in possession of valid OBC Certificate issued within the due date issued by the authority mentioned in the format.

10. The candidates claiming reservation/age relaxation on grounds of belonging to OBC should submit the Community Certificate in Annexure “A” prescribed vide Govt. of India, Department of Personnel and Training OM No. 36036/2/2013-Estt. (Res.), dated 30.05.2014 falling which the benefit of reservation/ relaxation will not be given, or their application shall be rejected, and no request / correspondence will be entertained. Certificates issued in other formats will not be accepted and the candidates will be treated as “General category” for all purposes. The format in Annexure “A” is uploaded along with advertisement.

11. The Dean has the discretion to increase/decrease the number of vacancies depending upon an actual requirement/Cancel this recruitment/ withdraw offer of appointment issued after the Walk-ininterview.

12. The candidates are advised to bring their application and original certificates.

13. Candidates who have already worked asSenior Resident under 3 years Senior Residency Scheme are not eligible and those who have worked as Senior Residents under 1 year contract will be appointed only for 2 years or their service period will be deducted proportionately.

14. Candidates are requested to come and register at the time mentioned above to avoid disqualification.

15.On selection candidates of Senior Residents have to deposit Rs.1,00,000/- non interest bearing (Drawn in Favour of ESIC Fund A/C No.1). However, this amount will be appropriated towards administrative cost in case, the candidate resigns/terminates his/her contract within one year of the commencement of the contract with or without prior notice. Further, If the selected candidate intend to resign, he/she has to serve one month Notice period or have to pay one month salary to the ESI Corporation.

16. If the Selected Candidate fails to report for duty within the stipulated date of joining, the next eligible candidate will be considered for the post from the waiting list.

17. On selection, the candidates have to open an SB Account in State Bank of India at any Branches.

18. The Dean is the Controlling Authority for Senior Residents.

Also Read:ESIC Hospital Kolkata RECRUITMENT! Check SPECIALIST, SUPER SPECIALIST Post Walk In Interview Details Here…