Mean Peak Expiratory Flow Rate Research Articles

The Effect of Low-Dose Ketamine in Treating Acute Asthma Attack; a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Efficient treatment of asthma can play an important role in controlling asthma attacks, rapid recovery and decrease of patient mortality. Therefore, in the present study the therapeutic effect of low-dose ketamine is evaluated in patients with acute asthma attack. In the present single-blind, randomized clinical trial with placebo control, the effect of low-dose intravenous ketamine in treating 18 to 85 year-old asthmatic patients who presented to the emergency department was evaluated. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and the patients' response to treatment were measured before and 1 hour after treatment. Additionally, using SPSS 22.0, effectiveness of ketamine with 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mg/kg doses followed by infusion of the same dose during 30 minutes were compared with placebo. 92 patients were enrolled (59.8% female, mean age 48.5 ± 13.9 years). 15 (16.3%) patients were treated with 0.3 mg/kg ketamine, 14 (15.2%) with 0.4 mg/kg, and 16 (17.4%) with 0.5 mg/kg doses. Mean PEFR was 336.2 ± 101.5 liters in the placebo group and 345.8 ± 84.7 liters in the ketamine group before intervention (p = 0.6), while after intervention, they were 352.1 ± 101.2 and 415.8 ± 76.2 liters, respectively (p = 0.001). Ketamine treatment with 0.4 and 0.5 mg/kg doses led to a higher increase in PEFR compared to 0.3mg/kg dose (df: 3, 88; F = 23.8; p < 0.001). It seems that administration of 0.4 - 0.5 mg/kg doses of intravenous ketamine followed by infusion of the same dose during 30 minutes can be effective for rapid recovery of PEFR in patients with mild to moderate asthma.

Comparison of oral montelukast with oral ozagrel in acute asthma: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Background:The need for more effective management of acute asthma has led to research on drugs which are otherwise approved for use in chronic asthma.Objective:To study and compare the effects of oral montelukast with oral ozagrel in acute asthma.Materials and Methods:One hundred and twenty patients with acute asthma were recruited for the study. Out of 120 study patients, forty each were randomized into placebo, montelukast, and ozagrel groups. After the first dose of the drug or placebo was administered, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), number of rescue medications and also vital signs were noted at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and at discharge. In addition, same recordings were done on the morning (8 a.m. – 10 a.m.) following admission. The difference in mean PEFR of each group at above-mentioned time points was the primary endpoint whereas need for rescue medications the secondary end-point.Results:The respective mean PEFR recordings of the placebo, montelukast, and ozagrel groups at various time points were as follows: at 6 h (235.19 ± 3.18, 242.86 ± 3.26, 228.18 ± 3.25); at 12 h (254.37 ± 5.23, 265.62 ± 5.38, 242.99 ± 5.36); at 24 h (267.46 ± 7.41, 291.39 ± 7.61, 268.14 ± 7.58); and at 48 h (277.99 ± 7.35, 303.22 ± 7.56, 285.27 ± 7.53); and discharge (301.94 ± 7.07, 317.32 ± 7.27, 298.99 ± 7.23). The mean PEFR between the treatment groups were not statistically significant (P = 0.102). The mean PEFR in the three groups at 8–10 a.m. following admission was 257.60 ± 5.52, 264.23 ± 5.98, and 249.94 ± 5.96; P = 0.266. Total number of rescue doses needed were 7, 4, and 13, respectively (P = 0.67).Conclusion:Montelukast or ozagrel when added to the standard treatment of acute asthma does not result in any additional benefit.

Effect of rice mill dust on peak expiratory flow rate among rice mill workers of Mysore district

Background: Inhalation of different pollutants exposed from the industries cause damage to the membrane structure and mechanical efficiency. This leads to an alteration in the functional properties of the lungs resulting in various respiratory diseases. Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of exposure of rice husk dust on peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) among rice mill workers in Mysore District. Materials and Methods: The comparative cross-sectional analytical study was conducted during December 2013–December 2014 in various rice mills in Mysore district. The study was conducted on 50 non-smoking rice mill workers aged 18–45 years were selected as a study group and 50 healthy, age, sex, and anthropometrically matched subjects of same socioeconomic status who were not exposed to rice mill industries were selected as control group. Computerized spirometer (RMS-Helios 401 and Transducer No.400-666) was used to measure PEFR. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20, and the level of significance was set at P < 0.05, applying unpaired t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: The mean PEFR was significantly (P < 0.001) lower among rice mill workers (5.65 ± 1.84) than the controls (8.11 ± 1.41). The PEFR was found to significantly decrease with an increase in the length of exposure to rice mill dust (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Our study showed that duration of exposure has a direct relationship with the reduction in PEFR.

Effects of socio-demographic and nutritional status on Peak Expiratory Flow Rates of rural school children in Ilesa, Nigeria

Background: The Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) measured using portable peak flow metres (PFM) is a simple, cheap, readily available and reproducible measure of lung functions, particularly in resource-poor settings.Objective: To determine the effects of socio-demographic and nutritional factors on the PEFR of school children in rural areas of Ilesa, Nigeria.Methods: Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select children from middle schools in rural Ilesa. Their socio-demographics, housing conditions and household cooking fuel used were obtained. Anthropometric parameters and nutritional statuses of the children were determined using the WHO reference growth chart. PEFR was measured using the mini Wright PFM. The factors influencing their PEFR were determined.Results: A total of 250 school children aged 8 to 16 years with male-to-female ratio of 0.9:1 were studied. The mean (SD) age was 12.5 (1.5) years. Over 80.0% used unclean fuel for household cooking and one-half lived in overcrowded homes. The prevalence of stunting, underweight and overweight was 22.8%, 30.8% and 3.2% respectively. The mean ± SD PEFR was 248 ± 58.6 L/min which correlated positively with the weight, height, Body Mass Index and Body Surface Area. The mean PEFR was significantly lower among children exposed to unclean fuels (245.4 ± 59.7L/min vs. 292.0 ± 59.4L/min; p = 0.02), stunted males (220.6 ± 44.9L/min vs. 264.1 ± 62.9L/min; p = 0.009) and underweight females (213.2 ± 37.8L/min vs. 247.5 ± 62.6L/min; p < 0.001).Conclusion: Undernutrition and exposure to noxious substances from unclean household cooking fuels adversely affected the PEFR of rural school children. Early detection and prompt treatment of undernutrition and avoidance of noxious substances from unclean fuels may ensure better lung health among the children in rural areas.

A Comparative Study on Variations in Pulmonary Function Tests Among Smokers and Non-Smokers of Bhaktapur, Nepal

Background: Pulmonary function test is a routine procedure for the assessment and evaluation of respiratory disorders. Aims and objectives: To know the variations in the values of the forced vital capacity (FVC) , peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC percentage among smokers and non-smokers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Kathmandu Medical College, Nepal. Two hundred and twenty healthy male smokers and non-smokers were included in the study. Data from 220 male subjects (110 smokers and 110 non-smokers) were taken and analyzed. Results: Mean FVC, FEF25-75, FEV1, FEV1/FVC% and PEFR were found to be significantly lower in smokers than the non-smokers; there were significant differences between mean PFT values among smokers and non-smokers (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The mean FVC, FEV1 and PEFR were lower in smokers. Health awareness and educational campaigns are needed to keep the society to avoid smoking and to reduce respiratory diseases.

Improvement in pulmonary functions and clinical parameters due to addition of breathing exercises in asthma patients receiving optimal treatment

Background: Breathing exercises have been described to be useful in asthma management. Objective: The aim of this study is to detect the efficacy of breathing exercises (Pranayamas) in asthma patients using spirometric indices, clinical symptoms parameters, and requirement of rescue medications. Methods: A total of 60 stable asthma patients (34 females) diagnosed and received optimal asthma treatment for 3 months or more according to the GINA guidelines were enrolled. All patients continued their respective medications and in addition performed seven breathing exercises (Surya Bhedana Pranayama, Nadi Shuddi Pranayama, Bhramari Pranayama, Surya Nadi Pranayama, Kapal Bhati, Bhastrika, and Om Chanting) under supervision at Yoga center at our Institute for 3 months after inclusion to study. Spirometry, nocturnal symptoms, and the requirement of rescue medicines were assessed before and after breathing exercise intervention. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the dyspnea and wheezing in the study participants. Results: The mean age of asthma patients was 25.45 ± 5.41 years. After breathing exercise intervention, mean forced expired volume in one second increased from 2.492 ± 0.358 L to 2.745 ± 0.343 L and mean peak expiratory flow rate increased from 283.82 ± 51.12 L/min to 336.23 ± 51.47 L/min; the increases were statistically significant. The mean nocturnal symptoms score decreased significantly from 1.416 ± 1.619 to 0.067 ± 0.362. The requirement of rescue medications decreased significantly from 6.23 ± 2.95 to 0.90 ± 1.25 puffs/week. VAS scores for breathlessness and wheezing were significantly decreased. Conclusions: Breathing exercises provided significant improvements in spirometric parameters and significant reduction in breathlessness, wheezing, and nocturnal symptoms as well as requirements of rescue medicines in asthma patients who were receiving optimal asthma treatment.

Peak expiratory flow rate in healthy school children

Background: Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) assesses the overall functional status of the respiratory system. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to observe the PEFR in school going healthy children, in a town located in the southern part of India. To illustrate the relation among the age, height, weight, and PEFR in the school going children. Materials and Methods: 119 school going healthy boys were selected randomly, aged between 5 and 16 years. Anthropometric parameters, namely, height and weight of the subjects were measured to the nearest reading with minimal clothes on and without footwear using stadiometer and weighing machine, respectively. Subjects were divided into five groups: Group I with a height range of 101-120 cm, Group II with 121-130 cm; Group III with 131-140 cm; Group IV with 141-150 cm; and Group V with 151-160 cm. PEFR was measured using the pocket flow meter and wrights flow meter. Results: Mean PEFR values with standard deviation in the five groups with pocket flow meter and with wrights flow meter are Group I: 159 ± 18.3 and 118 ± 22.5, Group II: 227 ± 31.0 and 204 ± 31.8, Group III: 253 ± 52.0 and 234 ± 51.2, Group IV: 309 ± 43 and 296 ± 40.9, and Group V: 368 ± 51.0 and 343 ± 47.7. Correlation coefficient was also calculated between the height and PEFR, measured with pocket flow meter in all the five groups; 0.64, 0.68, 0.25, 0.47, and 0.69 from Groups I to V. Conclusion: PEFR is increased with the increasing in height of the subjects.

Influence of sawdust on peak expiratory flow rate in sawmill workers of central India working in unprotected environment and its correlation with duration of exposure

Background: Exposure to wood-dust has long been linked with a variety of adverse health effects. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the effects of saw-dust on peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and further to reduce the possible health risks in sawmill workers by providing information on sawdust hazards. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 apparently healthy male sawmill workers, without using any personal protective measures, with a mean age of 33.14 ± 9.64 years with mean duration of exposure 7.92 ± 5.47 years were selected. Age, sex and anthropometrically matched 50 healthy subjects of same socio-economic status who were not exposed to wood industries with mean age of 33.92 ± 9.68 years were selected as control group. A questionnaire was used to assess respiratory symptoms. Computerized spirometer (RMS-Helios 401, Transducer No.400-666) was used to measure PEFR. The data were analyzed using STATA version 10.0, applying unpaired t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: Unpaired t-test showed mean PEFR values in the sawmill workers 6.44 ± 1.45 L/s were significantly lower than in controls 7.18 ± 1.15 L/s and as the duration of exposure to saw dust increases PEFR also significantly decreases in sawmill workers. It also showed negative correlation exists between PEFR and duration of exposure on correlating both factors with Pearson’s test (r = −0.6075) with significant P = 0.0001. Conclusion: Inflammatory changes in the respiratory tracts which lead to increased airway resistance thereby bringing about the remodeling of the airway; it can elicit pulmonary inflammation via different mechanisms and is accompanied by induction of several pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, microorganisms, and toxins contained in different types of wood are potentially implicated in occurrence of asthma by inducing increased bronchial responsiveness or by damaging bronchial epithelial cells. It is possible to control the levels to within safe occupational limits with a well-designed, efficient and properly used exhaust ventilation system which should be periodically maintained. Suppression of dust technical control measures such as pre-wetting and water-sprinkling should be practiced and workers should be educated about the importance of using protective devices along with encouragement for using personal protective equipment during processing and cutting of woods.

Electrodermal Screening of Asthmatics with AcuGraph 4

Traditional Chinese Medicine holds that acupuncture meridian activity is correlated with quality of function of specific organs. This study sets out to determine acupuncture meridian characteristics of subjects with moderate asthma distinguishing them from healthy subjects. Fifty asthma patients (age 35.36 ± 8.68 years) and fifty similarly aged (34.11 ± 7.29 years) healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Electrodermal conductances at Jing Well points were measured with Acugraph 4 and also Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) for the asthma group. All mean meridian conductances were lower for the asthma group, significance differences were in Lung and right Bladder meridians. In contrast, all but two of the standard deviations of group meridian conductances for the Asthma group were higher than those for the Healthy group. Difference in mean PEFR values between Asthma and Healthy groups was significant. These suggest that group measures of electrical conductance at Jing Well points can distinguish asthma from healthy individuals. The study provides support for the usefulness of meridian energy measurements to assess organ related dysfunction and for the idea that pathology groups exhibit higher standard deviations i.e. lower quality of regulation.

Air quality index from charcoal production sites, carboxyheamoglobin and lung function among occupationally exposed charcoal workers in South Western Nigeria.

Charcoal production is often accompanied with gaseous and particulate emission into the atmosphere and occupationally exposed workers could be affected. This cross sectional comparative study was carried out to assess the levels of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5) generated during the phases of charcoal production and their relationship with certain biomarkers among charcoal workers (subjects) and non-charcoal workers (controls) such as carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb), forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration (FEV1), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and body mass index (BMI) in Igbo-Ora, Oyo State and Alabata, Ogun State, which are two of the major hubs of charcoal production in South Western Nigeria. Four communities in Igbo-Ora and six communities in Alabata were purposively selected and levels of pollutant gases were assessed using appropriate gas meters, PM2.5 was assessed with Thermo Scientific MIE pDR-1500, FEV1 and PEFR were measured with Piko-1 spirometer while COHb was assessed using non-invasive pulse CO-oximeter (Rad 57). Data were statistically analyzed and results were compared with recommended guidelines. The mean FEV1, PEFR, COHb and BMI for subjects and controls were 2.35 ± 0.73 and 2.69 ± 0.56, 253.72 ± 103.45 and 330.02 ± 94.61 (p < 0.01), 13.28 ± 3.91 and 8.50 ± 3.68 (p < 0.01) and 21.97 ± 2.19 and 23.36 ± 3.74 (p < 0.05) respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between actual and expected values of FEV1 (p < 0.01) and PEFR (p < 0.01) among charcoal workers. There existed a positive correlation between CO and COHb while FEV1 and PEFR correlated negatively with PM2.5. The study showed that charcoal workers are exposed to high levels of CO and PM2.5, contributing to lowered respiratory functions for FEV1 and PEFR and high levels of COHb compared to the control group. Routine respiratory and carboxyheamoglobin assessment of persons involved in charcoal production is also recommended.

Respiratory effects of biomass fuel combustion on rural fish smokers in a Nigerian fishing settlement: a case control study.

The aim was to study the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and assess the lung function of fish smokers in Nigeria. A case control study was done among fish smokers in Nigeria. Women aged 15 years or older (n=210) involved in fish smoking and equal number of matched controls were interviewed on respiratory symptoms and their peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measured. Data was analysed using chi square test, student's t-test and odd ratios. Both groups were similar in their personal characteristics. The test group had significantly increased occurrence of sneezing (153; 72.86%), catarrh (159; 75.71%), cough (138; 65.71%) and chest pain (59; 28.10%) compared with the control group, odds ratio (OR) 2.49, 95% confidence interval CI (1.62-3.82), P < 0.001), OR 3.77,95% CI (2.44- 5.85), P < 0.001, OR 3.38, 95% CI (2.22-5.15), P < 0.001, and OR 6.45,95% CI (3.22-13.15), P < 0.001, respectively. The mean PEFR of 321±58.93 L/min among the fish smokers was significantly lower than 400±42.92 L/min among the controls (p = 0.0001). Fish smokers have increased risk of respiratory symptoms and reduced pulmonary function. There is a need for protective equipment and periodic evaluation.

Gender Variation And The Impact Of Gas Flarig On Cardiopulmondry Parameters Of Residents In Gas Flaring Communities In South-South Nigeria

The study determined gender variation on cardiopulmonary parameters-blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate and peak expiratory flow rate of residents in gas flaring communities compared with non-gas flared communities. The ex post facto study carried out using a stratified random sampling method involving five hundred and four (504) residents in the gas flaring communities and five hundred (504) in the non - gas flaring communities comprising 564 males and 444 females. Samples for this study were taken from five states in the South-South geopolitical states of Nigeria. The electronic blood pressure kit was used to measure blood pressure and respiratory rate while the peak flow rate was measured with a peak flow metre and respiratory rate was measured manually. Data generated were expressed as mean ± SD. Significance difference between means was determined by student t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). SPSS 20 software was used for statistical analysis. A level of p≤0.05 was accepted as significant. Findings indicate that mean diastolic pressure was higher in males (10.96%) than females (5.05%). The pulse rate (36.07%) and the respiratory rate (19.38%) of the female residents in the gas flared environments was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than that of the male residents (13.53% and 13.64% respectively), with the female subject more impacted. The mean Peak Expiratory Flow Rate was higher in male (11.06%) residents with females (9.7%) more impacted. This study has shown that gender variation impacted on cardiopulmonary parameters of residents in gas flaring communities in south-south Nigeria

Pulmonary function tests in patients with Parkinsonfs disease: A case.control study

Background : In Parkinsonfs disease (PD), morbidity and mortality are commonly caused by respiratory disorders from pulmonary function impairments. Aim: The study aims to evaluate pulmonary functions in a cohort of patients with PD in comparison with age..and sex.matched control. Methods : Pulmonary function test (PFT) was conducted using the Spirolab Spirometry kit, and results of forced vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume 1 (FEV1), FEV1/VC, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were obtained from 78 PD patients and 78 healthy controls. Results : A total of 78 patients and 78 age-and sex-matched control comprising 60 (76.9%) males and 18 (23.1%) females were evaluated. The mean age ± standard deviation of the patients were 62.32 ± 8.67 and 62.31 ± 8.66, respectively; the difference in their age was not statistically significant (P = 0.993). The majority (38.5%) of the patients was in stage II of Hoehn and Yahr of PD. Vital capacity (VC) in PD patients and control was 2.481 and 3.106; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The mean FEV1 in PD patients and control were 1.887 and 2.494; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The mean FEV1/VC percent in PD patients and control were 75.812 and 80.303; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The mean PEFR in PD patients and control were 45.58 and 67.46; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Considering PD arm of the study, with the exception of FEV1/VC, there was significant negative correlation between all the parameters of PFT and patients age (VC, FEV1, PEFR, r = .422 and P = 0.0001, r = .391 and P = 0.0001, and r = .0.244 and P = 0.031, respectively). Conclusion: In this study, the values of the evaluated PFTs (VC, FEV1, FEV1/VC, and PEFR) parameters were signi.cantly lower in PD compared with age..and sex.matched control. Key words : Nigeria, Parkinsonfs disease, pulmonary function

Variations of Lung Function Status in Hypertension and Antihypertensive Medication

Introduction: Essential hypertension is associated with altered pulmonary function. Antihypertensive medication and lung function are also associated. Amlodipine (calcium channel blocker) and Atenolol (beta blocker) are commonly used antihypertensive drugs.&#x0D; Objective: To evaluate the effects of antihypertensive drugs on lung function status in patients with essential hypertension.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Physiology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbag, Dhaka, from July 2012 to June 2013 on 100 newly diagnosed essential hypertensive patients. Based on prescribed treatment, these study subjects were divided into two groups - B1 and B2. B1 included 50 patients who received amlodipine 5mg daily and B2 included 50 patients who received atenolol 50mg daily. Lung function tests were done in both B1 and B2 groups before taking medication, after 3 months of medication and after 6 months of medication. For assessing lung function status, Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1st second (FEV1) and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) were measured with a computer based Spirometer. Age, sex and BMI matched 50 apparently healthy normotensive subjects were also studied as control (group A). Data were compared among subjects of different groups. For statistical analysis independent sample‘t’ test and paired sample‘t’ test were performed.&#x0D; Results: Mean FVC, FEV1 and PEFR were significantly lower in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients in comparison with that of healthy normotensive subjects. Mean FVC, FEV1 and PEFR were found significantly higher in the group taking amlodipine for 6 months when compared to newly diagnosed hypertensive patients but lower than those of controls. In addition mean FVC and FEV1 were found significantly lower in the group taking atenolol for 6 months when compared to newly diagnosed hypertensive patients and those of controls.&#x0D; Conclusion: Reduced lung function occurs in newly diagnosed essential hypertensive patients which improve by treatment with amlodipine but decreases after treatment with atenolol.&#x0D; Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.12(1) 2016: 28-32

Comparison of oral montelukast with oral zileuton in acute asthma: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Background:Leukotriene modifiers have an established role in the management of chronic asthma but their role in acute asthma is still under evaluation.Objective:To study and compare the effects of oral montelukast with oral zileuton in acute asthma.Materials and Methods:This study included 120 asthmatics and was conducted from September 2012 to March 2014. Patients were randomized into three different groups to receive montelukast or zileuton or placebo in addition to standard treatment for asthma exacerbation. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) values, details of rescue medication and vital signs were recorded at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h of drug or placebo administration and at discharge. Additional recording was done in the morning (8–10 am) following admission. The primary endpoint was the mean PEFR of each group at these time points; the secondary end point being the need for rescue medications.Results:The mean PEFR recordings of the three study groups – placebo, montelukast, and zileuton – respectively, at various time points were as follows: at 6 h (223.25 ± 90.40, 199.00 ± 82.52, 233.75 ± 84.05; P = 0.240); at 12 h (271.00 ± 109.38, 251.50 ± 101.44, 309.50 ± 129.63; P = 0.048); at 24 h (288.25 ± 114.26, 269.00 ± 107.51, 324.50 ± 127.88; P = 0.080); and at 48 h (295.00 ± 114.80, 293.50 ± 113.24, 344.75 ± 119.91; P = 0.015); discharge (305.00 ± 118.56, 305.25 ± 119.51, 361.25 ± 119.70; P = 0.010). The mean PEFR for the three study groups at 8–10 am on the morning following admission was 268.75 ± 111.43, 252.50 ± 99.99, 306.75 ± 114.44; P = 0.047. Total rescue doses needed were 10, 1, and 0, respectively (P = 0.049).Conclusion:Zileuton is better than montelukast as an additional drug in acute asthma and results in significant improvement in lung function, and reduction in the need for rescue medications.

Correlation of peak expiratory flow rate with age and anthropometric parameters in elderly (&amp;gt;65 years)

Background: Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is of value in the identification of chronic bronchitis and for the assessment and follow-up of asthma. For these purposes, evaluation of an observed reading of PEFR required knowledge for its range in normal subjects. Aims and Objective: To determine the normal PEFR values in elderly men to establish local reference standards. Materials and Methods: The PEFR was measured in 96 healthy men aged ≥65 years of rural areas of Patiala district using the Mini-Wright peak flow meter in standing position. Best out of the three trials was recorded. Its correlation with age, anthropometric variables, body mass index (BMI), and body surface area (BSA) were calculated. Result: The mean PEFR in the age group of 65–74 years for males was 339.44 ± 35.51 L/min. The correlation of PEFR was negative and highly significant with age, positive and significant with height, and nonsignificant with weight, BMI, and BSA. Conclusion: It was concluded that with advancing age, the PEFR declines. The mean PEFR values of taller subjects were also higher.

Pulmonary function tests in patients with Parkinson's disease: A case-control study.

In Parkinson's disease (PD), morbidity and mortality are commonly caused by respiratory disorders from pulmonary function impairments. The study aims to evaluate pulmonary functions in a cohort of patients with PD in comparison with age- and sex-matched control. Pulmonary function test (PFT) was conducted using the Spirolab Spirometry kit, and results of forced vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume 1 (FEV1), FEV1/VC, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were obtained from 78 PD patients and 78 healthy controls. A total of 78 patients and 78 age- and sex-matched control comprising 60 (76.9%) males and 18 (23.1%) females were evaluated. The mean age ± standard deviation of the patients were 62.32 ± 8.67 and 62.31 ± 8.66, respectively; the difference in their age was not statistically significant (P = 0.993). The majority (38.5%) of the patients was in stage II of Hoehn and Yahr of PD. Vital capacity (VC) in PD patients and control was 2.481 and 3.106; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The mean FEV1 in PD patients and control were 1.887 and 2.494; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The mean FEV1/VC percent in PD patients and control were 75.812 and 80.303; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The mean PEFR in PD patients and control were 45.58 and 67.46; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Considering PD arm of the study, with the exception of FEV1/VC, there was significant negative correlation between all the parameters of PFT and patients age (VC, FEV1, PEFR, r = -422 and P = 0.0001, r = -391 and P = 0.0001, and r = -0.244 and P = 0.031, respectively). In this study, the values of the evaluated PFTs (VC, FEV1, FEV1/VC, and PEFR) parameters were significantly lower in PD compared with age- and sex-matched control.

Hearing Impairment and High Blood Pressure among Bus Drivers in Puducherry.

Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), a major heath concern due to constant exposure to loud noise is on the rising trend in today's world. The bus drivers are more vulnerable to the auditory and non-auditory ill effects of noise pollution. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the hearing level, blood pressure and peak expiratory flow rate of bus drivers and individuals employed in office jobs. Fifty male bus drivers aged 30-50 years and fifty males of the same group employed in office jobs were recruited as the test and control groups respectively. The hearing level of the individuals in both the groups was assessed using the Hearing Deterioration Index (HDI). The lung function and cardiovascular status of the study participants were assessed by measuring their Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) and Blood Pressure (BP) respectively. The mean HDI, PEFR and BP values of both the groups were compared using the unpaired t-test and the extent of correlation between HDI, service years, exposure level, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was determined using Pearson correlation coefficient test. HDI, SBP and DBP were significantly higher among the bus drivers when compared to the controls. However, there was no significant difference in the PEFR values between the test and the control groups. There was a highly significant positive correlation between HDI and service years and exposure level. Similarly, there was a significant positive correlation between exposure level and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Prolonged exposure to high intensity of sound results in deterioration of hearing capacity and increase in blood pressure among the bus drivers.

Pulmonary function indices in children with sickle cell anemia in Enugu, south-east Nigeria.

Objectives:To determine the pulmonary function indices of children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) attending the pediatric sickle cell clinic at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, south-east Nigeria and to compare these indices with the results obtained from other regions.Methods:A case control study of lung function in children with SCA aged 6-20 years. The study was carried out in the University of Nigeria/University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu State, Nigeria between October 2014 and January 2015. Measurements of the peak expiratory flow rate, forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were evaluated.Results:A total of 80 subjects were recruited into the study, comprising 40 homozygous HbSS (hemoglobin SS) patients and an equal number of controls. Children with SCA had statistically lower values of FEV1 (1.6±0.52), FVC (1.76±0.95), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) (309.00±82.64) when compared with normal hemoglobin genotype FEV1 (12.01±0.53), FVC (2.12±0.54), and PEFR (364.10±87.85). The mean FVC, FEV1/FVC, and PEFR were also higher in the male control group compared with the HbSS male group, but these differences were not statistically significant. Female controls had significantly larger FEV1, FVC, and PEFR values compared with the HbSS females.Conclusion:The lung function indices were significantly lower in children and adolescents with SCA compared with the matched controls with a hemoglobin genotype AA.

Effects of thorax correction exercise on flexed posture, physical performance, and psychosocial factors in community-dwelling older women with hyperkyphosis

greater among those who are heavily exposed to inhalable dust generated in the agricultural environment. Studies from other countries have reported respiratory effects related to working in the poultry farm but there appears to be a dearth of published studies on the respiratory health and lung function indices of poultry workers in Nigeria. Purpose: This study was carried out to survey respiratory symptoms and selected lung function indices among poultry workers in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria in order to assess the impact of the occupational exposure to poultry dust on their respiratory health. Methods:The cross sectional surveydesignwas used.The purposive sampling techniquewas used to recruit 150 poultry workers and 150 age-matched apparently healthy individuals not similarly exposed. St George Respiratory health questionnaire was used to collect information on respiratory symptoms. Lung function indices of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1) and Peak Expiratory FlowRate (PEFR) were measured using standardized spirometry protocols. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics ofmean, standard deviation and percentage as well as inferential statistics of independent t-test and Chi-square. Results: Respiratory symptoms [cough (49.3% versus 35.3%), phlegm (56.0% versus 30.0%), shortness of breath (19.3% versus 4.7%), wheezing (7.3% versus 0.0%) and running nose (32.0% versus 11.3%)] were more prevalent among poultry workers than the control subjects. The mean lung function indices FEV1 (2.81 L versus 2.46 L), FVC (3.30 L versus 2.89 L) and PEFR (425.50 L/min versus 384.20 L/min) were significantly higher among the apparently healthy subjects (p< 0.05) and there was a significant (p< 0.05) negative association betweenFVCof poultryworkers and year of engagement in poultry work. Conclusion(s): It was concluded that respiratory symptoms were more prevalent among poultry workers and they have poorer lung function indices (FEV1, FVC and PEFR) compared to the age-matched apparently healthy subjects. The longer the period of engagement in poultrywork themore the FVC declines and the symptoms especially of running nose grew worse. Implications: Poultry dust exposure poses an adverse consequence on the respiratory health of workers. There is need for regular medical examinations and implementation of appropriate measures to prevent the adverse respiratory effects of this workplace exposure. Appropriate health education of workers concerning poultry dust and respiratory protective equipment use is essential and physiotherapists as acknowledgedmembers of the occupational health teamneed to be knowledgeable and skilful in the use of effective health education models to impact on workers health behaviour.