EFFECT OF CIGARETTE SMOKING ON PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW RATE: A SHORT REVIEW

Description

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. Carbon monoxide from the smoke and nicotine both put a strain on the heart by making it work faster Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is a simple index of pulmonary function and can be used in researchers, clinical practices and even under field conditions to assess the status of large airways. PEFR is decreased in cigarette smokers compared to non-smokers and the magnitude of decline is higher in elderly individuals.
KEYWORDS: Peak expiratory flow rate; Smokers; Wright's peak flow meter.