Table 2 Sputum inflammation in asymptomatic and COPD smokers as compared to healthy non-smokers

Total no of cells × 10 ⁴

28.5 (23–53)*

41 (27–115)

56 (25–133)

Cell concentration ml × 10 ⁴

14 (11–18)*

22.5 (13–57)

28 (12–66)

Macrophages, %

56 (50–68)*

48 (42–62)*

22 (14–43)

Neutrophils, %

37 (27–47)*

48.5 (34–55)*

70 (47–82)

Lymphocytes, %

3.4 (1.6–5.6)

2.5 (0.6–5.5)

2.5 (0.21–6.4)

Eosinophils, %

0.46 (0.32–0.6)

0.35 (0.1–0.9)

1.25 (0.58–3.2)