Peak Expiratory Flow Values Research Articles

Establishing Reference Values for Peak Expiratory Flow in the Peruvian Population from Primary Care: Contributing to SDG 3

Establishing Reference Values for Peak Expiratory Flow in the Peruvian Population from Primary Care: Contributing to SDG 3

Larger Airway Functions in Poultry and Dairy Confinement Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The peak expiratory flow (PEF) test is a crucial tool for assessing larger airway functions, particularly in individuals exposed to occupational hazards. This study aims to compare PEF values between animal workers (poultry and dairy farm workers) who are regularly exposed to animal allergens and other respiratory irritants and normal workers who do not have such exposures. A cohort of animal workers from poultry and dairy farms were evaluated alongside a control group of normal workers without known respiratory hazards. PEF measurements were taken using a computerized spirometer, and results were analyzed to determine differences in respiratory function between the two groups. There was a significant difference in PEF values, with animal workers exhibiting lower PEF compared to their control group. Further, poultry farm workers had a significant decrease in PEF when compared to dairy farm workers. This study represents a pioneering effort in the comparative analysis of respiratory health among workers in poultry and dairy farms. The findings indicate that occupational exposure to allergens and irritants associated with animal environments may have deleterious effects on respiratory health. Further analysis, controlling for confounding variables such as smoking status, age, and baseline health conditions, reinforces the initial observation of compromised respiratory function in animal workers. This study underscores the importance of regular respiratory health monitoring and implementation of protective measures for individuals in occupations with high exposure to respiratory irritants. Enhanced awareness and preventive strategies could mitigate the long-term health impacts on animal workers, ensuring safer working environments and improved overall health outcomes.

Comparing the Effects of Virtual Reality Breathing Exercise and Incentive Spirometry Exercise on Improving Pulmonary Function in Children with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy.

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have a higher incidence of respiratory dysfunction than healthy children. Virtual reality breathing therapy is an assistive technology that is becoming popular in the rehabilitation of children with CP. This experimental study included a total of 32 children with spastic diplegic CP who were divided into two groups: the virtual reality breathing training (VRBT) group and the incentive spirometry (IST) group. Individuals classified as levels I to III on the gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) were recruited using the simple random sampling method. The results of comparing the values of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1), and the ratio of FVC/FEV1 showed a significant difference between groups. A significant difference was found in the VRBT group compared to the IST group, except for the peak expiratory flow (PEF) values, which showed a nonsignificant difference between the groups. There were significant differences in FVC and FEV1 between the VRBT and IST groups. It has been concluded that VRBT has additional benefits in improving pulmonary functions.

Leveraging AI and Machine Learning to Develop and Evaluate a Contextualized User-Friendly Cough Audio Classifier for Detecting Respiratory Diseases: Protocol for a Diagnostic Study in Rural Tanzania.

Respiratory diseases, including active tuberculosis (TB), asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), constitute substantial global health challenges, necessitating timely and accurate diagnosis for effective treatment and management. This research seeks to develop and evaluate a noninvasive user-friendly artificial intelligence (AI)-powered cough audio classifier for detecting these respiratory conditions in rural Tanzania. This is a nonexperimental cross-sectional research with the primary objective of collection and analysis of cough sounds from patients with active TB, asthma, and COPD in outpatient clinics to generate and evaluate a noninvasive cough audio classifier. Specialized cough sound recording devices, designed to be nonintrusive and user-friendly, will facilitate the collection of diverse cough sound samples from patients attending outpatient clinics in 20 health care facilities in the Shinyanga region. The collected cough sound data will undergo rigorous analysis, using advanced AI signal processing and machine learning techniques. By comparing acoustic features and patterns associated with TB, asthma, and COPD, a robust algorithm capable of automated disease discrimination will be generated facilitating the development of a smartphone-based cough sound classifier. The classifier will be evaluated against the calculated reference standards including clinical assessments, sputum smear, GeneXpert, chest x-ray, culture and sensitivity, spirometry and peak expiratory flow, and sensitivity and predictive values. This research represents a vital step toward enhancing the diagnostic capabilities available in outpatient clinics, with the potential to revolutionize the field of respiratory disease diagnosis. Findings from the 4 phases of the study will be presented as descriptions supported by relevant images, tables, and figures. The anticipated outcome of this research is the creation of a reliable, noninvasive diagnostic cough classifier that empowers health care professionals and patients themselves to identify and differentiate these respiratory diseases based on cough sound patterns. Cough sound classifiers use advanced technology for early detection and management of respiratory conditions, offering a less invasive and more efficient alternative to traditional diagnostics. This technology promises to ease public health burdens, improve patient outcomes, and enhance health care access in under-resourced areas, potentially transforming respiratory disease management globally. PRR1-10.2196/54388.

지역사회 거주 여성 노인의 폐 기능과 근감소증과의 상관성 연구

Purpose: This study aimed to compare pulmonary function between functionally sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older individuals and to demonstrate the association of sarcopenia with pulmonary function in community-dwelling older women. Methods: The SARC-F questionnaire, handgrip strength, and gait speed were examined to assess sarcopenia. To evaluate pulmonary function, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow(PEF) were measured. Independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare variables of pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and PEF), and logistic regression analysis was performed to demonstrate the association between functional sarcopenia and pulmonary function. Results: Functionally sarcopenic older women showed significantly lower values of FVC, FEV1, and PEF than non-sarcopenic older women(p<.05). In addition, older women with low FVC, FEV1, and PEF were less likely to have sarcopenia(p<.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated differences in pulmonary function between functionally sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older women. In addition, a reduction in pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1, and PEF) measured by spirometry was associated with the presence of functional sarcopenia in older women. Future longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the effects of improving pulmonary function on functional sarcopenia through the management and intervention of pulmonary function in older women with sarcopenia.

Peak expiratory flow, core performance and physical activity in normal-weight, overweight, and obese adolescents.

The objectives of this study were to (1) compare peak expiratory flow (PEF), physical activity (PA), and core performance among normal-weight, overweight, and obese adolescents and (2) explore the relationships between PEF, physical activity, core performance, and anthropometric measurements across these groups. Ninety adolescents aged 10-13 yr were categorized based on BMI: normal weight (n = 30, 5th to < 85th percentile, BMI-Z score -2 to < 1), overweight (n = 30, 85th to < 95th percentile, BMI-Z score 1 to < 2), and obese (n = 30, > 95th percentile, BMI-Z score > 2). PEF and percent-predicted values ofPEF(PEF% pred) values were calculated. Waist and neck circumferences were measured. Physical activity levels were assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), from which total and subscores were derived. Core performance was evaluated through modified push-up (MPU) and sit-up tests. The PEF% pred and PAQ-C scores showed no significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). However, MPU repetition rates were significantly lower in obese adolescents compared to overweight (p = 0.019) and normal-weight peers (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between PEF% pred and PAQ-C total scores (p = 0.014), as well as out-of-school subscores (p = 0.039) in overweight adolescents. Similarly, PEF% pred was linked to MPU repetitions in obese adolescents (p = 0.029). Obese adolescents exhibited decreased core performance relative to their overweight and normal-weight counterparts, which correlated with the PEF% pred. Physical activity was associated with PEF% pred exclusively in overweight adolescents.

Applicable predictive factors extracted from peak flow trajectory for the prediction of asthma exacerbation

BackgroundReal-time asthma exacerbation prediction and acute asthma attack detection are essential for patients with severe asthma. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) exhibits a potential for use in long-term asthma self-monitoring. However, the method for processing PEF calculations remains to be clarified. ObjectiveTo develop clinically applicable novel exacerbation predictors calculated using PEF records. MethodsPreviously proposed exacerbation predictors, including the slope of PEF, percentage predicted PEF, percentage best PEF, the highest PEF over the lowest PEF within specific periods, and PEF coefficient of variation, in addition to a novel indicator delta PEF moving average (ΔMA), defined as the difference between 14-day and 3-day average PEF values, along with moving average (MA) adjusted for PEF reference (%ΔMA), were verified using the Hokkaido-based Investigative Cohort Analysis for Refractory Asthma data of 127 patients with severe asthma from whom 73,503 PEF observations were obtained. Receiver operating characteristic curves for all predictors were drawn, and the corresponding areas under the curve (AUCs) were computed. Regression analysis for MA and percentage MA were conducted. ResultsThe most outstanding performance was shown by ΔMA and %ΔMA, with AUC values of 0.659 and 0.665 in the univariate model, respectively. When multivariate models were incorporated with random intercepts for individual participants, the AUC for ΔMA and %ΔMA increased to 0.907 and 0.919, respectively. ConclusionThe MA and percentage MA are valuable indicators that should be considered when deriving predictors from the PEF trajectory for monitoring exacerbations in patients with severe asthma. Trial RegistrationThe Hokkaido-based Investigative Cohort Analysis for Refractory Asthma was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN ID: 000003254). https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000003917

Resistive exercise training as an effective method to maintain lung function and functional capacity

Objective: To evaluate pulmonary function and functional capacity in bodybuilding practitioners, comparing them with values predicted for the Brazilian population. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational study, carried out among bodybuilding practitioners (N = 45) of both genders, aged between 20 and 60 years, with at least 4 weeks of training. Measurements of lung function (peak expiratory flow) and respiratory strength (maximum respiratory pressures) and functional capacity (6 minutes step test) were performed and compared to normal values predicted for the adult population. The significance level adopted was p&lt; 0.05. Results: There was a statistically significant difference for all outcome variables studied, except for peak expiratory flow values (p = 0.8471). Conclusion: Weight training proved to be an effective method for maintaining maximal respiratory pressures and functional capacity.

Design and Development of Flow Analyzer for Peak Inspiratory Flow (PIF) and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) Parameters.

The PIF and PEF parameters on the ventilator need to be taken into account to monitor the condition of patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. Both of these parameters need to undergo periodic testing to ensure that the ventilator can provide accurate information to its users. The testing of these two parameters can be conducted using a flow analyzer. The objective of this research is to develop a flow analyzer for PIF and PEF parameters using the AFM3000 flow sensor, with the results displayed on an LCD TFT screen in the form of graphs and numerical values. The research measurements were conducted in Volume Control (VC) mode with VT settings of 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 mL. Data collection was done using two methods to obtain two different types of data. From the first data collection, the largest errors in reading PIF and PEF values were found to be 3.49% and 2.99%, respectively. The second data collection resulted in a sensor's change in reading constant flow of ±0.1 LPM. Overall, the research findings indicate that the AFM3000 sensor has good accuracy and stability. Additionally, the AFM3000 flow sensor has good sensitivity and very short delay, making it suitable for real-time graph display in the module.

World Trade Center workers with asthma and post-traumatic stress disorder perceive airflow limitation more accurately

BackgroundPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a major risk factor for increased asthma morbidity among World Trade Center (WTC) workers. ObjectiveTo investigate whether differences in perception of airflow limitation mediate the association of PTSD with worse asthma control in WTC workers. MethodsWe collected data from WTC workers on asthma control (Asthma Control Questionnaire and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire) and daily peak expiratory flow (PEF) measures over 6 weeks. Perception of airway limitation was assessed by comparing guessed vs actual PEF values. Post-traumatic stress disorder was diagnosed using the Structured Clinical Interview. We used unadjusted and adjusted models to compare PEF and perception measures in WTC workers with PTSD with those of workers without PTSD. ResultsOverall, 25% of 224 participants had PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder was associated with worse Asthma Control Questionnaire (2.2±0.8 vs 1.1±0.9, P < .001) and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (3.9±1.1 vs 5.4±1.1, P < .001) scores. Adjusted analyses showed no significant differences in PEF between WTC workers with (351.9±143.3 L/min) and those without PTSD (364.6±131.6 L/min, P = .55). World Trade Center workers with PTSD vs those without PTSD had increased proportion of accurate perception (67.0±37.2% vs 53.5±38.1%, P = .01) and decreased underperception (23.3.0±32.1% vs 38.9±37.5%, P = .004) of airflow limitation during periods of limitation. Similar results were obtained in adjusted analyses. ConclusionThis study indicates that differences in perception of airflow limitation may mediate the relationship of PTSD and increased asthma symptoms, given WTC workers with PTSD have worse self-reported asthma control, an increased proportion of accurate perception, and decreased underperception, despite no differences in daily PEF measures.

Pulmonary Function Test: Relationship Between Adolescent Swimmers and Finswimmers.

The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of training on the static and dynamic respiratory parameters in adolescent female swimmers (SWs) and finswimmers (FSWs). Forty-six female adolescent SWs (n=24, age=17.6±0.7 years) and FSWs (n=22, age=17.0±1.2 years) volunteered for this study. All participants underwent standard spirometry and lung volume measurements and were collected anthropometrical and morphological characteristics. The results of the groups in the pulmonary function test parameters, namely, inspiratory capacity (IC), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), and peak expiratory flow (PEF), were significantly different. Higher values of IC, ERV, and PEF were observed in the FSW group than the SW group: IC = 116.5±13.2 (SWs) vs. 125.5±11.5 (FSWs) % of predicted, p = 0.019; ERV = 121.8±14.8 (SWs) vs. 130.6±12.5 (FSWs) % of predicted, p = 0.036; PEF = 111.6±7.5 (SWs) vs. 116.3±5.0 (FSWs) % of predicted, p = 0.018. The differences between groups probably reflect the activation of different muscle groups.

Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Different Maintenance Dose Regimens of Caffeine Citrate in the Treatment of Primary Apnea in Preterm Infants

We have investigated the efficacy and safety of different maintenance doses of caffeine citrate in the treatment of primary apnea in preterm infants. To this end, apneic premature infants were treated with 5 mg/kg (low dose) or 10 mg/kg (high dose) caffeine citrate, and the frequency of apnea at 48 h and 72 h, improvement of clinical symptoms, respiratory mechanics parameters related to lung function, and blood gas analysis indexes were compared between the two groups, and safety was evaluated. The frequency of apnea at 48 h and 72 h was significantly lower in the high-dose group than in the low-dose group, and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). The time to resolution of apnea, the time to mechanical ventilation, and the time to citrate use were significantly shorter in the high-dose group than in the low-dose group (P &lt; 0.05). The tidal volume and peak expiratory flow values were significantly higher in the high-dose group than in the low-dose group (P &lt; 0.05). The oxygen partial pressure and pulse oximetry levels in the blood gas analysis indexes of the high-dose group were significantly higher than those of the low-dose group, and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide level was significantly lower than that of the low-dose group, with statistically significant differences (P &lt; 0.05). The safety evaluation results showed no significant difference in the rate of adverse reactions and short-term complications between the high-dose group and the low-dose group (P &gt; 0.05). Caffeine citrate at a maintenance dose of 10 mg/kg can effectively reduce the frequency of apnea, shorten the improvement time of clinical symptoms, and improve the lung function and blood gas analysis level of children with a high safety profile.

Literature Review: Benefits of Balloon Blowing Breathing Exercises on Lung function in Astma Patients

Chronic inflammation that occurs in asthmatic patients results in recurrent episodic symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing breath sounds. This indicates that there is impaired lung function which can be seen from the results of the Peak Expiratory Flow (APE) examination. The purpose of compiling a literature review is to analyze the benefits of breathing exercise therapy using the balloon blowing technique on lung function in asthma patients. The method used in this literature study is the PICOS framework. Article searches were carried out using the science database from Science Direct, Pub Med and Google Scholar. The keywords used are breathing exercises, Balloon Blowing and asthma or asthma. Results have been literature found 7 articles analyzed. A total of 5 articles discussed the effect of breathing exercises using the balloon blowing technique on lung function, namely in terms of Peak Expiratory Flow (APE) values ​​and 2 journals discussed the effect of balloon blowing on improving clinical symptoms, namely shortness of breath and increased oxygen saturation. Based on the results of the literature review, it can be concluded that the Balloon Blowing breathing exercise can be applied to asthma patients. This exercise, when performed according to correct and regular procedures, can improve lung function which can be seen from several indicators, namely increasing Peak Expiratory Flow (APE), oxygen saturation and decreasing complaints of shortness of breath.

Neferine alleviates ovalbumin-induced asthma via MAPK signaling pathways in mice.

To investigate the role of neferine in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma, and to reveal the possible mechanism. In OVA-induced asthmatic mice, enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay was performed to evaluate the level of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, immunoglobulin E (IgE) in serum and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-1β, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Eosinophil, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts in BALF were calculated to assess inflammation. The pulmonary function was measured by airway resistance, peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced expiratory volume/forced vital capacity (FEV0.4/FVC) ratio, and respiratory rate. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson staining were used to evaluate lung injury. Further, Western blot analysis was conducted to detect phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Neferine, 20 mg/kg or 40 mg/kg, could significantly decrease the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IgE in OVA-induced serum, and that of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1 in OVA-induced BALF. Moreover, neferine could significantly decline eosinophil, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts in BALF. Neferine contributed to improve OVA-induced airway resistance, promoted the value of PEF and FEV0.4/FVC ratio, and recovered the respiratory rate. It also reduced mucus secretion, distribution of inflammatory and goblet cells around bronchi, and attenuated collagen deposition in lung tissues. Furthermore, neferine reduced the phosphorylation of p38, JNK, and ERK to inhibit MAPK signaling pathways. Neferine relieves asthma-induced inflammatory reaction, airway resistance, and lung injury by inhibiting MAPK signaling pathways. This could serve neferine as a novel therapeutic candidate for treating asthma.

Screening for impaired pulmonary function using peak expiratory flow: Performance of different interpretation strategies

BackgroundSpirometry is the gold standard for diagnosis of impaired pulmonary function, but is often unavailable in resource-constrained settings. Some authors have suggested using peak expiratory flow (PEF) to screen for impaired pulmonary function when spirometry is unavailable, but with no consensus on how to define abnormally low PEF. Strategies have included cutoffs based on absolute value of PEF, PEF in percent predicted, PEF Z-score, PEF × height−2, and gender-specific cutoffs of absolute PEF. The objective of this paper is to determine the PEF interpretation strategy with the highest predictive ability for low pulmonary function, with spirometry as the gold standard. MethodsWe analyzed data on individuals aged 40–79 years in the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2012. 6,144 individuals fulfilled inclusion criteria for the main analysis. For each PEF interpretation strategy, we calculated the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) for the detection of low pulmonary function (defined by FEV1 Z-score < -1.645, < -2, < -2.5 or < -3). ResultsThe AUC was substantially and statistically significantly higher for PEF in percent predicted and PEF Z-score than for absolute value and PEF × height−2, including after stratification by gender. There was no difference in AUC between PEF in percent predicted and PEF Z-score. ConclusionIf using PEF to screen adults aged 40 years or older for impaired pulmonary function defined by low FEV1 Z-score, basing cutoffs on PEF in percent predicted or PEF Z-score may result in improved predictive ability. As percent predicted is a mathematically simpler term than Z-score, it may be preferable to use cutoffs based on PEF in percent predicted.

Does peak expiratory flow moderate trajectories of cognitive function among individuals with lung diseases? A longitudinal analysis of the National Health and Aging Trends Study

IntroductionImpaired cognitive function can co-exist in chronic respiratory diseases. However, it is not clear if peak expiratory flow (PEF) impacts changes in cognitive function. Our objective was to explore whether peak expiratory flow moderates trajectories of memory, visuospatial abilities, and executive function in individuals with chronic respiratory diseases. MethodsThis was an analysis of individuals with lung diseases from the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Multivariable-adjusted generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate trajectories of immediate and delayed recall, and clock drawing over a 10-year follow-up. The interaction between PEF and time were plotted using sex-specific values for peak expiratory flow at 10th, 50th and 90th percentiles. ResultsIn females, interactions of time-by-PEF were found for both immediate (n = 489, t = 2.73, p<0.01) and delayed recall (n = 489, t = 3.38, p<0.01). Females in the 10th vs. 90th percentile of PEF declined in immediate recall at 0.14 vs. 0.065 words/year, and 0.17 vs. 0.032 words/year for delayed recall. Among males, recall declined linearly over 10 years (immediate recall: n = 296, t = −3.08, p < 0.01; delayed recall: n = 292, t = −2.46, p = 0.02), with no interaction with PEF. There were no time-by-PEF interactions nor declines over time in clock drawing scores in both sexes (females: n = 484, t = 0.25, p = 0.81; males: n = 291, t = −0.61, p = 0.55). ConclusionFemales with the lowest PEF values experienced the greatest rates of decline in immediate and delayed recall over 10 years of follow-up, whereas males experienced similar declines in memory outcomes across all levels of PEF. Clock drawing scores remained stable over 10 years in both sexes.

Clinical Efficacy and Immune Function of Andrographolide Sulfonate in Children with Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia.

To figure out the effect of andrographolide sulfonate on the clinical efficacy and immune function of children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). From January 2019 to April 2021, a total of 102 children with MPP were selected as the research group. They were assigned into the control and the observation groups by random number table method, with 51 cases/group. The control group was given routine treatment, and the observation was given andrographolide sulfonate treatment. The therapeutic efficacy and improvement of clinical symptoms were compared between the two. The changes of immune function, pulmonary function, myocardial enzymology indexes, MCP-4, IL-1β, IFN-γ, and TNF-α were noticed in the groups before and after treatment. The presence of drug-related adverse reactions of patients was recorded during treatment. The total effective rate of treatment in the observation group was higher, and the time of fever reduction, pulmonary rales disappearance and cough disappearance time were all shorter vs. the control group (p < 0.05). Immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in the observation group after treatment were higher, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 4 (MCP-4), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interferon-γ (IFN- γ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were reduced vs. the control group. The forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV1) and the percentage of forced vital capacity occupied by the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1/FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) values were higher (p < 0.05), but aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK) and isoenzyme (CK-MB) were reduced in the observation group after treatment vs. the control group (p < 0.05); No serious adverse reactions took place in the two during treatment. The treatment of andrographolide sulfonate in children with MPP can enhance the therapeutic effect, ameliorate the immune function and lung function of children, and reduce inflammation and myocardial enzymes.

Automobile Pollution and Risk of Impaired Lung Function and Oxygen Saturation among Vendors Near Road Traffic in Brazzaville, Congo

Context: Automobile pollution is becoming a potential threat to the cardiorespiratory health of the urban population of sub-Saharan Africa. The present study aims to evaluate the level of concentrations of fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10) near road traffic and the effects of exposure to automobile pollutants on pulmonary function and arteriolar blood oxygen saturation among sellers around road traffic. Materials and Methods: The study recruited 48 healthy people carrying out a sales activity near road traffic. PM2.5 and PM10 measurements were taken from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. using a Temtop Airing-1000 portable particle detector. Spirometric measurements were taken in the morning and in the evening from a portable Spirobank G spirometer. Oxygen saturation measurements were also taken in the morning and evening using a Pulse oxymeter CMS50D pulse oxymeter. Results: Mean values of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity (FEF25 - 75) recorded in the evening were significantly lower than those obtained in the morning in the subjects of the total group and in the men. Only the mean values of PEF and FEF25 - 75 obtained in the evening were significantly lower than those recorded in the morning in women. Minimum PM2.5 values recorded near road traffic were negatively correlated with evening PEF in men, while maximum PM10 values were negatively correlated with evening PEF in women. The blood oxygen saturation recorded in the evening was significantly lower than that obtained in the morning. Conclusion: Short-term exposure to automobile pollutants has adverse effects on lung function and oxygen saturation in people carrying out a sales activity near road traffic.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF VIEWING A BALLOON-BLOWING VIDEO IN INCREASING THE PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW AMONG ASTHMA PATIENTS AT THE MAKASSAR LUNG HEALTH CENTER

&lt;p&gt;Asthma is one of the deadliest diseases in Indonesia of which the prevalence continues to increase and influence the country’s economic burden. Appropriate intervention is needed to prevent recurrence. This study aims to analyse the effectiveness of Balloon Blowing (BB) video instruction on the Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) of asthmatic patients at the Makassar Lung Health Centre. This research was done quantitatively using a quasi-experimental design approach, as well as using one pre- and post-test group, namely the Balloon Blowing Group. The sampling technique was Consecutive Sampling with a total of 22 samples that met the inclusion criteria. Before conducting the Balloon Blowing exercise, the researchers measured the Peak Expiratory Flow value using a Peak Flow Meter (PFM). Balloon Blowing intervention was then given five times a week for two weeks according to the video guidelines. Data analysis using the Wilcoxon test showed that there was a significant difference in the Peak Expiratory Flow value before and after the Balloon Blowing intervention (ρ =0.000, ρ &amp;lt;0.05). Thus, the Balloon Blowing exercise is effective in increasing the Peak Expiratory Flow value in asthmatic patients.&lt;/p&gt;

Clinical applicability of peak expiratory flow measured with peak flow metre compared to spirometer in a resource-limited setting

Background: Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) is the maximum flow produced during a forced expiration following a full inspiration. It is useful in the management of lung diseases especially the domiciliary assessment of disease control in patients with Asthma. PEF can be measured with either a peak flow meter or a spirometer. We aimed at comparing PEF measured using a Mini Wright peak flow meter with PEF measured using Spirolab III spirometer in order to assess its clinical applicability in resource-limited settings.Method: A method-comparison study with records of PEF values at the Niger-Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri. Hypotheses were formulated and tested after data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 25 software.Results: PEF readings of a total of 100 adults were analyzed. Mean age was 48.90 ± 19.77 years. Males (51%) were slightly more than females (49%). One- sample t-test showed no statistical difference in the mean PEF values measured with the two devices (p = 0.295). There was significant correlation between the PEF values measured with the two devices (p&lt;0.0001) with demonstration of agreement and absence of proportional bias in the PEF values measured by the two methods following linear regression analysis (p = 0.959).Conclusion: PEF values obtained from the Mini wright PEF meter and the Spirolab III spirometer are comparable. Therefore, the Mini Wright peakflow meter may be effectively used in the diagnosis and monitoring of Asthma and other lung diseases in resource-limited settings.