Abstract

Background: Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) recording is an essential measure in the management and evaluation of asthmatic children. Objective: The present study was undertaken to establish normal reference values for PEFR in normal healthy children of Punjab and to study the influence of height, age, weight and gender on PEFR. Method:-The study was carried out at various schools in the Patiala, Punjab. A total number of 250 children aged between 5-17 yrs were taken. The study included information about the socio demographic characteristics and General Physical Examination was done along with Systemic Examination. PEFR was measured with Mini-Wright Peak Flow Meter. Result: PEFR had highly significant positive co-relation with age , height and weight both in male and female children . PEFR increased with increasing age with highest at the age range of 14-17 yrs (p<0.001). These findings were attributed to the rapid growth of airway passages and expiratory muscle effort . PEFR in males was more than females, the difference was non significant in age group 5-9 yrs (p>0.05), significant(p<0.05) in the age group 10-13 yrs and highly significant (p<0.01) in the age group of 14-17 yrs. These changes may be attributed in males to the better height , weight, and possibly because of more expiratory effort.

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