PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW RATE (PEFR) AND BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) IN ADULT FEMALE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

The Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is the maximum or peak flow rate that is attained during a forceful expiratory effort after taking a deep inspiration. It is expressed in liters per minute.The average Peak Expiratory Flow Rate of healthy young Indian females is 350 Liters/minute. The Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are non invasive tests which help to diagnose patients with obstructive and restrictive lung diseases. Individuals with obesity are more susceptible to many conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, renal diseases, metabolic alterations, and neoplasm. More than 23% of women are either overweight or obese which are higher value than the prevalence amongs men. In most of the studies, Wright's Peak Flow meter is best for assessing lung functions as it is cheaper and is also found that there is negative correlation between Body Mass Index and Peak Expiatory Flow Rate. PEFR values are found to be lower in females with higher body mass index. This indicates that high body mass index propose threat for airflow and lung functions in women. Deposition of subcutaneous adipose tissue gravely disturbs mechanics of our respiratory system and decrease in the respiratory compliance. Thus in subjects of high Body Mass Index, the chances of bronchial asthma is more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]