Effect of Smoking on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate
Tobacco smoking in India has been increasing alarmingly.Smoking is a known risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers, especially, the lung cancer.Nicotine is the addictive drug in tobacco smoke that causes smokers to continue to smoke. PEFR is a useful parameter to monitor airway obstruction, assess its severity and variation and evaluate the effects of treatment.40 healthy adult males aged between 20 50 years smoker for more than one year at Pimpri Chinchwad area in Pune were selected .They constitute the study group (cases).40healthy adult males nonsmokers aged 20 50 years were selected as control. Our study group falls in Light smoker's category (smoking index1 100) Peak Expiratory Flow Rate was carried out using RMS Helios 401 spirometer, Chandigarh. The present study showed decreased PEFR in smokers as compared to non smokers but the difference was not significant statistically. Airway narrowing and reduction in recoil are responsible for the reduction in flow rates. So, aggressive tobacco control programme must be started.