Peak expiratory flow rate and its prediction formulae in Haryanvis.

ABSTRACT

Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was studied in 806 healthy 6 to 58 year old Haryanvi males. A steep rise in PEFR is seen with age up to 18 years, little variation occurs between 19 to 26 years and is followed by a gradual fall thereafter. The formulae for the prediction of PEFR from age and height in different age groups have been worked out. Haryanvi children are taller having PEFR and predicted values of PEFR higher than the children of other Indian states and are well comparable to Western children. On the other hand in Haryanvi adults observed and predicted values of PEFR are low. It is possible that economical uplift of this area due to industrialization and green revolution has led to improved nutrition resulting into better physical and functional (PEFR) development of younger generation. It is suggested that in developing states the physical and functional norms should be periodically reviewed.