Comparison of Respiratory Function in Smokers and Non-smokers Using Peak Flow Meter: A Cross-Sectional Study Patel Snehal1, Parmar Nidhi2 1Assistant Professor, Shrimad Rajchandra College of Physiotherapy, Bardoli, Gujarat, India 2Clinical Therapist, Asian Physiotherapy Clinic, Surat Online published on 21 November, 2019. Abstract Background Smoking, especially cigarette smoking, is one of the main causes that lead to preventable deaths all over the world1, 2. As per an estimate drawn by World Health Organization, there are around 94 million smokers in India and amongst them 14 million are suffering from COPD2, 3. With the highly addictive nature of nicotine in cigarettes, smoking cessation is extremely difficult. It is the major cause of decline in respiratory functions and physical fitness in terms of both performance and endurance. Aims of the study The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare respiratory function in smokers and non-smokers. Objectives To improve the health status of community by inculcating the knowledge about hazards caused by smoking. Materials and Method After baseline assessment, the Peak Flow Meter was used to measure the PEFR and then the subject's PEFR value was compared with the predicted PEFR value obtained from the PFM calculator from an android phone app. Percentage of those at a risk of respiratory dysfunction was obtained. Results Results revealed that on the basis of the difference in the PFM values, 32% of the population was at no risk of respiratory dysfunction and 68% population was at the risk of respiratory dysfunction. From which 39% population is in the Group B that is smokers. Conclusion The overall result of the present study suggest that an individual who is a smoker are prone to be at a risk of COPD as more percentage of smokers are suffering from respiratory insufficiency. Top Keywords Respiratory Dysfunction, PEFR. Top |