Effect of Cigarette 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. Carbon monoxide from the smoke and nicotine both put a strain on the heart by making it work faster. They also increase your risk of blood clots. Other chemicals in cigarette smoke damage the lining of your coronary arteries, leading to furring of the arteries. To examine whether PEFR differs between cigarette smokers compared to non-smokers and also to estimate the intensity of cigarette smoking on PEFR. PEFR was recorded in cigarette smokers (n=53) as well as in non-smokers (n=71) using Wright’s mini Peak Flow Meter. PEFR is decreased in cigarette smokers compared to non-smokers and the magnitude of decline was higher in elderly individuals. The intensity of cigarette smoking (pack-years) emerged as the main variable to influence airway obstruction in smokers that caused greater reduction in PEFR.