COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW RATE IN SCHOOL-GOING BOYS AND GIRLS

In diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases, the assessment of lung functions is of considerable importance. So, normal reference values for pulmonary function tests of any population need to be assessed. An attempt has been made in the present study to measure the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in healthy school going children. One hundred two (173) students were selected by inclusion criteria from different schools in Rajanagaram Rajahmundry Andhra Pradesh. The anthropometric measurements and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were measured by standard procedures. Positive correlation was seen between age, height, weight, Body surface area, and PEFR. The regression equations for PEFR were determined for boys and girls separately. In both boy and Girl children, PEFR significantly increases (p<0.05) with height, weight, age, and Body Surface Area (BSA). PEFR is a reliable measurement, which can be used in desert areas for assessment of airway obstruction. Prediction formula is derived for use in this population. Keyword: Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Maximum Expiratory Flow Rate (MEFR), Body Surface Area (BSA)