Comparison of serum electrolytes among smokers, asthmatic patients, and healthy controls at a tertiary hospital

• Author Details:   
• Hashmi Jakkula
• Indira Veeranki
• Sridevi Nutakki
• Madhusudhan Pativada
• Kirmani Natukula
• Rakesh Anil Varikuti
• Ruthamma Pallepogu
• Satish Palkurthi

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Background: Electrolytes, which are ions with electrical charges, are vital in maintaining physiological balance within the human body. They play key roles in cellular processes such as signal transmission in neurons, muscle contractions, hormone activity regulation, bone mineralization, and the stabilization of fluid and pH levels. Smokers and asthmatics have abnormal electrolytes leading to poor functioning of body. Clear understanding of electrolyte imbalances may facilitate early identification of complications and guide clinical decision-making. Among chronic asthma patients, hypomagnesemia has been reported as the most frequently observed electrolyte disturbance. Electrolytes affect airway smooth muscle excitability by modulating ion transport mechanisms, including Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase pump activity.

Objectives: To assess and compare serum electrolyte levels among healthy controls, smokers and asthmatic patients.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 90 participants, divided equally into three groups: smokers, asthmatics, and healthy controls. Recruitment was conducted over a three-month period at a tertiary care hospital using purposive quota sampling, targeting individuals aged 18 to 65 years of both sexes. Serum levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride were measured after taking written informed consent. Ethical clearance along with institutional approval was secured prior to the study. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using ANOVA and post hoc tests via the Jamovi software (free online version).

Results: Asthmatics showed significantly lower levels of sodium, chloride, and magnesium compared to smokers and controls. Post-hoc analysis confirmed significant differences between controls and asthmatics for these electrolytes.

Conclusions: Electrolyte imbalances especially hyponatremia, hypochloremia and hypomagnesemia are prevalent in individuals with asthma. Monitoring and managing electrolyte levels could play vital role in the clinical care of asthmatic patients, especially during acute exacerbations. Our study shows that sodium levels in asthmatics (Group 3) are significantly lower than in smokers (Group 2). However, the difference between controls (Group 1) and asthmatics is borderline significant (p = 0.053).