COMPARISON OF PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW RATE IN SMOKERS AND NONSMOKERS

Smoking is the leading risk factor for obstructive lung disease. This study was intended to compare the Peak expiratory flow rate in smokers and non-smokers. The study was conducted on 40 male smokers of the age group 25 50 years (study group) and 40 age matched male non-smokers (control group). PEFR was done in all subjects by using Mini Wrights peak flow meters and results were analysed statistically. The values of PEFR in smokers were significantly lower than nonsmokers. Similarly the values of PEFR were significantly lower in smokers of more than 5 years duration of smoking than with less than 5 years duration of smoking. Also the peak expiratory flow rate in smokers who smoked more than 10 cigarettes per day were significantly reduced than in smokers who smoked less than 10 cigarettes per day. To conclude, smoking affects lung function negatively. Hence cessation of smoking should be advocated.