Values Of PEFR Research Articles

Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function impairment among textile industry workers in Alexandria, Egypt.

Occupational exposure to cotton dust is still an important cause of respiratory problems in textile workers particularly in less developed countries like Egypt. Evaluate respiratory symptoms and diseases, and pulmonary function pattern among Egyptian textile workers. Cross sectional comparative study was conducted from December 2019 to September 2020 in a textile factory in Egypt; 364 male workers (184 cotton dust exposed workers, and 180 unexposed workers) were included. Participants were subjected to an interviewing questionnaire, British Medical Research Council questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, pulmonary function tests, and byssinosis grading format. Descriptive and analytic statistics were conducted. Chronic cough, phlegm production, and shortness of breath grade I, II and III were more reported in cotton dust exposed workers than unexposed workers (P#x003C;0.01, P#x003C;0.01, and P=0.02, respectively). Prevalence of chronic bronchitis was significantly higher among cotton dust exposed workers (12%) than unexposed workers (3.9%) (P#x003C;0.01). The mean percent predicted values of lung function indices reflecting large-1irway function (VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, PEFR, and FEF75) were significantly lower in cotton dust exposed workers (P#x003C;0.01). Prevalence of byssinosis was 22.8%. Workers with byssinosis had significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms, chronic bronchitis, cross-shift reduction in PEFR and significant decrease in mean percent predicted values of FVC, FEV1, PEFR, FEF75, and FEF50 than workers without byssinosis. This study revealed a substantial association between cotton dust exposure at work and respiratory symptoms and morbidity. Regular measurement of cross shift change in PEFR is recommended among exposed workers for early diagnosis of byssinosis.

Pulmonary Function Tests in Childhood Asthma: Which indices are Better for Assessment of Severity?

To study pulmonary function tests in childhood asthma and to determine which indices are better for assessment of severity. This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study. All consecutive children aged between 5 and 15 y with mild and severe persistent asthma were enrolled. Children in whom diagnosis of asthma was doubtful and those with chronic lung disease or suppurative lung disease were excluded. Diagnosis and classification was based on GINA guidelines. Age-/sex-matched controls who did not have history of wheezing any time in the past were selected. Detailed spirometry was performed on all children enrolled using RMS HELIOS 401. A total of 144 children were enrolled in the study (48 children in each group, i.e., control, mild and severe). Mean age of the study population was 9.06 ± 2.604 y with M:F ratio of 1.9:1. Mean percent of predicted values of FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75, and PEFR in the control group was 94.83, 92.63, 103.25, 73.90, and 93.60; in the mild group was 90.58, 83.52, 111.10, 76.50, and 92.00; and in the severe group 57.56, 62.83, 92.85, 40.15, and 62.12, respectively. Values of all the indices decreased with increase in severity. FEV1 (95% CI: 0.884to0.971) having the highest correlation coefficient (-0.652) with respect to severity of asthma and FEV1/FVC having the least (-0.202). FEF25-75 (95% CI: 0.652 to 0.803) having a higher area under the curve, was a better spirometric parameter in predicting mild asthma. FEV1 was better index for assessing severity of asthma and FEF25-75 better in predicting mild asthma.

TO STUDY THE EFFECT OF BODY POSITIONS ON OXYGEN SATURATION AND PEFR IN POST CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFT PATIENTS

CABG is the most common type of heart surgery. Reduced pulmonary functions and oxygen saturation are common postoperative complications. Body positions tends to show effect on peak expiratory ow rate and oxygen saturation .so, in this study we have observed effects of different body positions in values of PEFR and oxygen saturation for better recovery from post-operative complications. Objective was to evaluate the differences in values of PEFR and oxygen saturation in different body positions (supine, erect sitting, three quarter sitting, standing). Method: the study design was observational cross-sectional study. 30 subjects of age group 40-70 years were selected through random sampling technique. PEFR and oxygen saturation values were checked on post-operative day 3.subjects were allocated each position for 15 min and then values were recorded. the study results Results: indicated that standing position shows highest PEFR value (340.67 liters/min) and best oxygen saturation (97.53), supine position shows lowest PEFR value (183.00 liters/min) and lowest oxygen saturation (93.43). Difference in between the body positions three quarter sitting, sitting and supine were signicant (p<0.005) when compared with standing. The study concluded that standing position leads to highest PEFR a Conclusion: nd oxygen saturation value and supine position leads to lowest value of PEFR and oxygen saturation. So standing should be considered as best therapeutic position.

Effect of passive smoking on lung function tests in women

Pulmonary function tests are non-invasive diagnostic test that provide measurable feedback about the function of lungs. An assessment of lung volumes, capacities and flow rates provide specific information for clinical diagnosis and research purposes. Smoking is an addiction which affects the normal life, body and organ system as whole. Passive Smoking is defined as exposure of non smoker to tobacco smoke in the environment. Second hand tobacco smoke is the precursor of the primary active smoke from the smoker. Second hand tobacco smoke is believed to be more harmful than the primary smoke from the active smoker. The potency and health effects of second hand smoke involved the smell of secondhand smoke being an allergen affecting the respiratory system. The effects of passive smoking on respiratory system and lung function test warrants documentation. To evaluate the effect of passive smoke on lung function test among women exposed for ten years. The study was conducted on fifty females in the age group of 30-60 years who were exposed to passive smoke for ten years. An identical number of age matched females who were not exposed to cigarette smoke at home served as controls. The lung function parameters recorded were FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC%, PEFR, MVV and FEF25-75% The study demonstrated decline in mean values of FVC, FEV1/FVC%, MVV and FEF25-75% in female subjects but the difference in the mean values when compared with controls was found to be statistically insignificant. The mean values of FEV1 and PEFR was less in female subjects and the difference in the mean values was statistically significant. The study demonstrated decline in the expiration of FVC in first second and decline in maximum flow rate during forceful expiration that conforms to obstructive pattern of lung changes in females exposed to chronic passive smoke. Any significant decline in lung functions in females being most vulnerable in household, with time merits attention as they indicate likely morbidity in the event of continuing exposure to the offending agent.

Study of peak expiratory flow rate in young smokers in community

Background: Inhaling of cigarette smoke has sudden effect on airways which causes an inflammation in the peripheral airways. Pulmonary function testing (PFT) provides a quantitative and objective assessment of the physiological derangement associated with pulmonary diseases. A study of PEFR in smokers and non-smokers would provide the necessary data to correlate smoking and the effect on the pulmonary health of smokers. Objectives were to study the effect of smoking on lung functions in apparently healthy young smokers and to measure the PEFR and compare the values between young smokers and non-smokers in the villages surrounding Vadodara District, Gujarat.Methods: It was a cross-sectional comparative study. With convenient sampling of total 60 male subjects which are equally divided into smokers (group A) and non-smokers (group B) group between the ages 17-25 years. The PEFR was measured by Wright’s Mini PulmoPeak Flow Meter. Three readings were taken and best of three was documented. Comparison of PEFR values between smokers and non-smokers was done.Results: The mean PEFR between smokers and non-smokers was group A is 310.00 and group B was 440.00 litres/minute (p value <0.05) and the t value was 7.608 which shows that the PEFR of smokers is significantly lower than non-smokers.Conclusions: The values of PEFR are reduced in smokers compared to non-smokers in young individuals in community and all the values are more decreased with increase in number of cigarettes smoke per day.

Study of the Lung Function Tests in Healthy Non-Smoking Women Using Different Cooking Fuels

Background: In developing country like India still a large group of women use biomass as the cookingfuel in a poorly ventilated cooking area and it is considered as a major risk factor for respiratory diseases.Throughthis study we sought to find the effect of biomass and LPG fuel use on the lung function by studspirometry.Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural and urban areas of Ghaziabad. We assessedthe lung function in 100 non-smoker females (50 biomass and 50 LPG fuel users) and studies the presenceof any correlation between lung function and the duration of exposure.Results: Compared to LPG users biomass fuel users had significantly lower values of FVC (p = 0.007), FEV1(p = 0.0024), FEV1/FVC (p <0.0001) and PEFR (p = 0.007). Statistically significant negative correlationwas also found between exposure index and spirometry values in both the groups.Conclusion: Biomass fuel has a more adverse effect on the lung function and the lung function decline isassociated with the exposure duration.

Bronchodilatory effects of B-type natriuretic peptide in acute asthma attacks: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) regulates different physiological processes such as blood pressure, cardiac growth, and neural and skeletal development. Thus, the aim of this study w as to evaluate the effect of BNP in the treatment of acute asthma attacks. In this randomized clinical trial, patients with acute asthma attacks were enrolled. The patients were divided randomly into two groups. Patients in the interventional group received BNP via intravenous infusion. Two µg/kg of BNP was injected as a bolus in 60 seconds. Then, infusion of BNP immediately began and was given in 0.01, 0.02, and 0.03 µg/kg/min doses every 30 minutes for the first 1.5 hours. The patients in the control group received nebulized salbutamol. Afterwards, peak flow meter findings, hemodynamic parameters, and estimation of the clinical severity of asthma in both groups were checked every 30 minutes. In total, 40 patients were included in this study. The values of PEFR in the 60th and 90th minutes in the control group were lower than those in the interventional group. In the 60th minute, the mean of PEFR was 377.3 in the BNP group but 335.95 in the control group (P = 0.049). Moreover, this difference remained significant in the 90th minute (P = 0.021). However, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) did not differ between the groups at any time (p > 0.05). Although a large experimental study is needed to verify our hypothesis, it seems that BNP might be a therapeutic option in asthma exacerbations, particularly in those with b2 agonist receptor polymorphism.

Comparison of pulmonary function test between exposed and non-exposed non-smoker adult males to indoor air pollutants: An observational and cross-sectional study in different offices of North India

Background: This study was planned to evaluate and compare the effect of indoor air pollutants on the pulmonary function testing of office workers (Safai Sewaks). We hypothesize that acute exposure to dust and other indoor pollutants daily during their job would lead to deterioration of their lung function more than anyone who is exposed to these indoor pollutants intermittently. Materials and Methods: An observational and cross-sectional study comparing the pulmonary function parameters FEV1, FVC and PEFR between 100 Safai Sewaks and 100 controls matched for age, weight, height and body surface area. Study participants included were adult males between 18-45 years age and non-smoker. Results: The actual values of FEV1, FVC and PEFR were compared in both the groups. FEV1 was significantly lower in Safai Sewaks (2.2350 0.61072 L; p± 0.64785 L). FVC was also significantly lower in Safai Sewaks (2.382 ± 0.7007 L; p± 0.76955 L). PEFR, which is a good indicator of the expiratory effort was also lower in Safai Sewaks (6.033 ± 1.9170 L/min; p± 4.7082 L/min). Conclusion: Respiratory function as assessed by FEV1, FVC and PEFR is reduced in Safai Sewaks as compared to the controls due to indoor air pollution and exposure to dust associated with their daily job. Keywords: Indoor dust exposure, Safai Sewaks, lung function.

Evaluation of Pulmonary Function Tests Among Pregnant Women of Different Trimesters in Debre Berhan Referral Hospital, Shoa, Ethiopia.

IntroductionPregnancy is characterized by a sequence of dynamic physiological changes that impact multiple organ system functions and is associated with various changes in pulmonary anatomy and physiology. Precise knowledge of the pulmonary function test parameters helps to understand and manage the course and outcome of pregnancy leading to safe delivery. It also helps to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of normal pregnancy on pulmonary function tests among pregnant women in Debre Berhan Referral Hospital, Ethiopia.MethodsA total of 176 study participants (first, second, and third trimester; and control) were involved under a comparative cross-sectional study design and convenience sampling technique. Anthropometric data, oxygen saturation of arterial blood, and pulmonary function tests were measured. Data were tabulated and statistically analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical software. Means of all parameters were compared using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc multiple comparison test. Statistical significance was preset at a p-value of less than 0.05.ResultsMean of FVC for the controls, first, second, and third trimesters was 2.59 ± 0.26, 2.13 ± 0.15, 1.93 ± 0.27, and 1.90 ± 0.11 liters, respectively. Except for FEV1%, the mean values of FVC, FEV1, PEFR, and FEF 25–75% in the pregnant group (all the three trimesters) were significantly decreased from the controls (P<0.05). Strong negative correlation was seen between SaO2 and RR (r= −0.865; P <0.01). As the pregnancy progressed from first to the third trimester, dynamic pulmonary function tests (FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75%, and PEFR) were dropped and the respiratory rate increased.ConclusionThe results had shown the tendency of obstructive pattern while pregnancy becoming advanced. We have observed also a remarkable decline of SaO2 in pregnant women that might be counterbalanced by raised respiratory rate.

PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW RATE IN SEDENTARY POPULATION: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Background- To date there are very few studies evaluating the relationship between sedentary behaviour and pulmonary function in a population who works for more than half a day i.e. 6-8hrs continuously in front of technologies (mainly desk jobs) with no sign of physical activities. Hence the aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a sedentary lifestyle on peak expiratory flow rate. METHOD- The study was conducted on 75 desk job workers, males and females of age group 30-45 years working for 6-8 hours without physical activity. Analysis of their lung function capacity was done by PEFR. RESULT-It is seen that there is a significant difference in the predicted and obtained values of PEFR in both genders. The mean predicted value of PEFR in females is 416.04±25.72 and the mean obtained value of PEFR is 284.7±72.84. In males the mean predicted value of PEFR is 542.6±23.33 and the mean obtained value of PEFR is 396.2±80.6. It shows that the sedentary lifestyle with physical inactivity affects the PEFR values CONCLUSION-Regular exercise in terms of physical activity is essential for every individual with a sedentary lifestyle to overcome health problems and improve their pulmonary functions.&#x0D;

Gender differences in prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and physiological stress among the brick field workers of West Bengal, India.

The manual brick field industry is one of the most important and oldest industries in India, where millions of male and female workers make their livelihood. To estimate the different ergonomic risk factors associated with brick making, identify potential gender differences and the prevalence of Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), physiological and psychological stress among the brickfield workers. Brickfield workers - 152 male and 148 female were randomly selected from the 12 brickfields. The Modified Nordic Questionnaire was applied to assess the discomfort reported among both groups of brickfield workers. Objective measurement of physiological parameters and lung function values were also recorded. From this study, it was revealed that there is significantly higher discomfort reported in hands, lower back and knees among female brick molders than male brick molders. The physiological parameters did not show any significant change between male brickfield workers and female brickfield workers. The mean values of FVC, FEV1 and PEFR for females were lower than those for male brickfield workers. This study concludes that female brickfield workers reported more discomfort than male brickfield workers; perhaps in part due to their additional domestic work responsibilities.

An experimental study to check immediate effect of stacked breathing exercise on peak expiratory flow rate in cardiac surgery patient-pilot study

Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the immediate effect of Stacked Breathing Exercise (SBE) on Peak Expiratory Flow (PEFR) in cardiac surgery patient. Methodology: After obtaining an ethical committee clearance, a pilot study is carried out on 11 subjects with age 40- 70yrs planned for cardiac surgery through the mediastinal approach. After obtaining written consent and screening of patient for the inclusion, Patients were treated with a Stacked Breathing Exercise (SBE) on Post-Operative Day (POD) 1, 2 and 3 twice daily. Pre-exercise and post-exercise values for PEFR was collected in six treatment session as IA, IB, IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB (A=Morning session, B=Afternoon session and I, II, III was POD-1, 2 and 3 respectively). Result: Total of 11 patients followed by cardiac surgery are analyzed for outcome PEFR. Data was analyzed in term of the mean difference. There is a statistically significant change seen in PEFR value comparing IA vs. IIIA, IB vs. IIIB and IA vs. IIIB (mean difference -86.364, -73.636 and -106.36). There is net 29.77% improvement in PEFR value seen at the end of the sixth (IIB) treatment session over pre-exercise value at IA. Discussion: Statistically significant improvement seen in PEFR value when comparing pre-exercise value to postexercise with every session immediately after the intervention. Our result is best supported with research article carried out by, Luciana Chiavegato. He said, Breath Stacking as an intervention in non-cardiac thoracic surgery patients able to show significant improvement in the Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF). We conducted this study to have to check on, whether it is also effective in cardiac surgery patients? In our study, we found 27% gain over before exercise values of PEFR (in l/ min) after stacked breathing exercise in cardiac surgery patients. Conclusion: It is concluded that stacked breathing exercise is significantly effective in improving PEFR. Hence can be an effective tool to help in improving lung function.

Correlation Of Serum YKL-40 With Anthropometric Measurements And Spirometric Indices Between Healthy Individuals And Asthamatics In A Tertiary Care Hospital

Objective: To correlate serum levels of YKL-40 with anthropometric measurements and spirometric indices between normal individuals and asthmatics. Methodology: The case control study was conducted in Department of Chest Medicine, JPMC, Karachi from the month of August 2015 till March 2016. The study recruited sixty participants after satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria; among those 30 were normal healthy individuals (PEF &gt; 80% and pulse rate of 60 – 80 beats per minutes); while equal were cases of mild to moderate asthma (PEF more than 50% and pulse rate of 100 – 120 beats per minutes) matched for age and gender. Vitallograph compacta and peak flow meter was used for spirometric indices. Moreover, anthropometric measurements were age, gender, weight (kg), height (m) and body mass index (kg/m2). Ykl-40 Elisa kit was used for serum YKL 40 levels. The data was entered and analysed using SPSS version 21 (IBM, Chicago, IL). Result: In comparison of Spirometric Evaluation (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC% and PEFR) between control and patients with mild to moderate asthma. significant difference was found in the mean values of FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and PEFR between cases and controls. Significant inverse correlation was found between YKL-40 with FEV1, FVC, FEVI/FVC% and PEFR among Controls. YKL-40 was found to be significantly correlated with only FEV1/ FVC (%) among cases with correlation co-efficient as – 0.510 (p-value &lt; 0.004). Conclusion: There is an inverse correlation between serum YKL-40 levels and spirometric evaluation thus as the inflammation in asthma increases, YKL-40 level upsurges and causes decrease in lung function tests.

RESPIRATORY FUNCTIONS IN TEXTILE MILL WORKERS: ROLE OF PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW RATE

Background: Textile industries play a significant role in economical growth of the country. Health concern of these textile mill workers is the biggest challenge. Respiratory alterations were found in these workers with long term exposure of cotton dust. Effect of cotton dust on peak expiratory flow rate is not very well documented in the past.Aim/objective: The main objective of this study was the assessment of respiratory functions in textile mill workers along with the effect on peak expiratory flow rate in these workers.Material &amp; Methods: 130 male textile mill workers were recruited for this study from the different sections of a textile mill. In which, 80 workers were present from exposed and remaining 50 were from non exposed area of a textile mill. 30 to 40 year of age workers with the working history of not more than 5 years, were included for the part of the study. Their Body mass index and respiratory functions were evaluated. Body mass index was calculated by using weight and height of an individual. Respiratory functions including Forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second was estimated by using spirometer and peak expiratory flow rate was measured by means of Wright’s peak flow meter.Results: the mean values of FVC, FEV1 and PEFR were found to be significantly (&lt;0.01) lower in exposed group of textile mill when compared non exposed groups. When these values were compared on the basis of BMI, workers with BMI&gt;25kg/m2 were found with lower mean values of FVC, FEV1 and PEFR when compared with workers with BMI&lt;25kg/m2. Also there was significant (&lt;0.05) negative correlation between BMI and PEFR in both exposed group and non exposed group of a textile mill.Conclusion: Workers in textile mill, with short term exposure of cotton dust may also present with respiratory alterations which may increase with long term exposure. Safety controls such as ventilation, etc and routine health check are very much required in textile industries.Keywords: Peak expiratory flow rate, Body mass index, Textile mill.

English

The study was aimed to assess the effect of breathing exercises on biophysiological parameters and quality of life of patients with COPD at a tertiary care centre. OBJECTIVES: were to assess selected biophysiologic parameters of COPD patients and to assess quality of life of COPD patients and to assess the effect of breathing exercise on quality of life. METHODOLOGY: 40 subjects were selected from Medical wards of Sree Gokulam Medical College Hospital, Venjaramoodu, Trivandrum, and were assessed using tools like questionnaires to collect socio-demographic data, biophysiological parameters, dyspnea assessment scale and fatigue severity scale to assess the dyspnea and fatigue severity respectively and clinical COPD questionnaire to assess the quality of life of COPD patients. Breathing exercise was given 15 minutes 3 times a day during post admission days and on discharge a leaflet was given for reinforcement and follow up was done through telephonic inquiry. Pre-test was given before intervention and post test was conducted on return to OPD to all the participants. The data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The present study findings showed that there was significant difference in mean pre and post-test values at p<0.01 for respiratory rate, fatigue severity score and quality of life score and at p<0.05 for heart rate. Change in dyspnea grading was also found to be significant. There was no significant difference in mean pre and post-test values of PEFR. INTERPRETATION: The findings of the present study revealed that breathing exercises can improve biophysiological parameters like respiratory rate, heart rate, dyspnea and fatigue while it could not cause any improvement in PEFR of COPD patients. So this intervention can be practised in care of patients with COPD in various settings.

Assessment of PEFR and FEF25-75 in Female SLE Patients and their Relationship with Duration of the Disease

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder which affects multiple organs of human including lungs. Objectives: To assess PEFR and FEF25-75 in SLE patients and to correlate them with the duration of the disease.Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, BSMMU, Dhaka, from January 2010 to December 2010. A total number of 120 female subjects were selected, among which 30 were age and BMI matched apparently healthy subjects for comparison (control) and 90 were patients of SLE (study group). All the patients were matched for age, sex and BMI. Based on the duration of the disease, patients were subdivided into B1 (1-6 months), B2 (2-5 years) and B3 (6-10 years). Controls were selected from the community and the patients from the Out Patient Department (OPD) of SLE clinic, Department of Medicine, BSMMU, Dhaka. (PEFR) and FEF25-75 of all the subjects were measured by a Digital MicroDL spirometer. For statistical analysis Independent Sample ‘t’ test, One way ANOVA test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test were performed as applicable.Results: The mean percentage of predicted values of lung function parameters in healthy female subjects were within normal ranges. The mean percentage of predicted values of PEFR and FEF25-75 were significantly lower in all study groups when compared to control. Again, the mean percentage of predicted values of PEFR and FEF25-75 were significantly lower in the patients of Group B3 compared to Group B2. Moreover, these comparisons were significantly lower when compared to Group B1. The differences of the mean percentage of predicted value of PEFR, FEF25-75 were non-significantly lower in Group B2 when compare to Group B1. In addition, FEF25-75 were positively correlated with duration of SLE in group B2 but negatively correlated in B3. On the other hand PEFR was negatively correlated with duration of SLE in both B2 and B3. All these values were statistically non-significant. Conclusion: These pulmonary functions decrease in SLE female and the reduction is inconsistently associated with duration of the disease. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i4.20588 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(4) 2014 p.416-420

English

INTRODUCTION: Ventilatory function tests provide a better understanding of functional changes in the lungs and they are significant from the viewpoint of diagnosis, so factors contributing to their variation within the population need to be identified, assessed and the appropriate allowances made. There have been reports on the variations of PEFR with anthropometric determinants, however, data regarding study of PEFR with various anthropometric factors in different age groups is lacking. AIMS: The present study was therefore done to observe the Correlation of peak expiratory flow rate with anthropometric determinants in healthy adult male population of Haryana. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Peak expiratory flow rate was measured using mini Wright peak flow meter in 150 healthy subjects of same socioeconomic status. The correlations of PEFR with Age, height, weight and chest circumference were calculated in healthy younger (20- 34yrs) and older (35-49yrs) adult males. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The obtained data were analyzed statistically with the help of IBM SPSS VERSION.20. RESULT: In this study the mean PEFR was found to have statistically significant (p≤ 0.05) positive correlation with the height, weight and chest circumference in younger males whereas noticeable fluctuations were observed in their older counterparts. Maximum values of PEFR were attained in the age group of 25-29yrs after which it showed a declining trend with advancing age. CONCLUSION: PEFR correlates more with height, weight and chest circumference in young adult males than in older males. Respiratory function indices collected from healthy young adult males may be more reliable and predictable than those from older ones.

Peak Expiratory Flow Rates in Normal Healthy School Children of Central Karnataka, India

Background: PEFR is the easiest and most cost effective method to evaluate respiratory functions. PEFR can be measured by a simple instrument Peak expiratory flow meter. Measuring PEFR has been suggested as an important tool in asthma management by all International guidelines. The aim of this study was to determine the PEFR values in healthy school children of central Karnataka, India. Method: PEFR was measured in Two thousand and two hundred school children using mini Wright's Peak flow meter. All PEFR measurements were obtained in standing position and the best out of three trials were recorded. Height and weight were recorded. Regression analysis was used to calculate the predicted normal values of PEFR and also to assess its relation to weight and height. Results: Positive correlation was seen between age, height, weight and PEFR. The boys had higher values of PEFR than girls at all heights. The prediction equation based on height was PEFR = 5.63 (Ht) - 474.43, r = + 0.902 for boys and PEFR = 5.30 (Ht) - 451, r = + 0.876 for girls. Conclusion: PEFR values in this study were comparatively low to those of North Indian and western school children, High to those of other children of south India. The prediction equation obtained from the study can be used to detect PEFR values in central part of Karnataka.

English

BACKGROUND: Peak expiratory flow rate is a simple way of assessing severity of obstructive and hyper reactive airway diseases. Reference values may be used in assessment and management of asthma in children. It is also possible to predict values of PEFR, based on age, weight and height.

Acute Lung Function Response to Dust in Street Sweepers

Sweepers are chronically exposed to dust raised during sweeping. Dust is regarded as the most influential agent and it is perceived as a frequent cause of respiratory system illness and may cause acute and chronic lung function impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the acute lung function changes in sweepers exposed to dust generated from street sweeping. This study was conducted in central Karnataka, India, on 25 female sweepers and 25 healthy female control subjects who were comparable in age, height and weight. The pulmonary function test was performed in controls, sweepers before and after sweeping, by using RMS medspiror and results were compared by Student's unpaired 't' test. The results showed a significant reduction in percent predicted values and mean values of FVC, FEV1, PEFR, FEF25-75% and FEF 200-1200 between sweepers and their matched controls. Pulmonary function after sweeping also showed a significant decrease. On comparing the pulmonary functions of sweepers before and after sweeping, it was concluded that inhalation of dust acutely affected the lung function of sweepers in India and that sweepers were at a risk of developing occupation related lung function impairment. We recommend that the workers should use protective face masks and do wet sweeping instead of dry sweeping during sweeping activity.