Peak expiratory flow rate in a random healthy population of Coimbatore.

Results of measurement of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate PEFR made on 1315 healthy persons ranging in age from 7-67 who attended a Medical Exhibition in the city of Coimbatore is analysed. Wide variation in parameters in Indian subjects observed, is attributed to regional variation in population and climate. Also, data collected on highly selected groups like students, sportsmen may not be truly representative of average population. Hence this study was conducted to obtain normal data of PEFR from healthy South Indians living in this region. A multiple regression equation has been developed. The relation of PEFR to age was found to be curvilinear with an increase to peak around the age group of 26-30 years in males and 21-25 years in females and then gradually declines.