Abnormal Tests Don't Change Smoking Habits

To the Editor: Asymptomatic cigarette smokers have many subtle abnormalities of pulmonary function that may be identified by experimental spirometry. These abnormalities of the small airways may be reversible if the subject ceases or modifies the smoking habit.^{1 2 3} Macklem suggests that “early detection of small airway obstruction followed by appropriate therapeutic intervention may prevent the development of end-stage chronic bronchitis and emphysema.” ⁴ Permutt says further, “it seems absolutely irresponsible to assume that we could not do better in modifying behavior constructively in specific patients with more information on the part of the physician and patient.” ⁵ But does knowledge of an. No extract is available for articles shorter than 400 words.