Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in School Going Children

Background: Pulmonary function tests (PFT’s) using complete spirometry help us quantify  the state of the respiratory system and aid in the management of respiratory tract illnesses in pediatric practice. However, instrumentation is relatively expensive and only available in hospitals. In contrast, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) can be measured using relatively inexpensive peak flow meters and are of value in identifying and assessing the degree of airflow limitation of individuals. To detect any abnormality it is necessary to know the normal values of PEFR in particular region as PEFR depends on geographical, climatic, anthropometric, nutritional, and socioeconomic conditions. The purpose of this study is to get values of PEFR in school going children in Patiala region and its correlation if any with anthropometric parameter such as height.Subjects and Methods:A total 600 children of age group 10- 14 years from schools of Patiala district were taken and age, height,weight of children were noted and PEFR was measured.Results:The correlation of height and weight with PEFR value among rural and urban children was found to be highly significant (p value<0.001). However there was no correlation found between the PEFR values and the age.Conclusion: The correlation of height and weight with PEFR values among urban and rural children was found to be highly significant.