PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW RATE (PEFR) VALUES OBTAINED WITH WRIGHT'S PEAK FLOW METER AND DIGITAL SPIROMETER IN OBSTRUCTIVE AIRWAY DISEASE (OAD) PATIENTS – A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Introduction: Peak expiratory ow rate (PEFR) is the highest ow achieved from a maximum forced expiratory maneuver and is a good modality in diagnosing and monitoring Br.asthma; in COPD it gives a rough estimate of the severity of obstruction.Normal values in males and females range between 320-550L/min. PEFR values can be obtained by a Peak Flow Meter or by standard Spirometer. To compare PEFR values obtained Aims And Objectives: by Wright's Peak Flow meter and those obtained by a Digital Spirometer and to understand Whether PEFR values are reliable in the diagnosis and monitoring of Obstructive Airway Disease. 75 Consecutive patients who pr Materials And Methods: esented with a history of COPD, Br.asthma or Bronchiectasis to the Respiratory Medicine OP, Govt General Hospital, Nellore, AP were recruited to the studyand PEFR values were recorded by both Peakowmeter and Spirometer. The rang Results: e of PEFR values obtained was between 120-480 L/min .and the difference was in the range of 9-164 L/min. In the present study the Conclusion: difference in values is not very signicant andhence PEFR can be used as a diagnostic & monitoring tool in OAD.