European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Background: Respiratory diseases represent the most important cause of morbidity/ mortality in children. The present study was conducted to assess correlation of PEFR with age and BMI in children.
Materials & Methods: 120 school children age ranged 10-15 years of both genders were included. Each child was subjected to measurement of peak expiratory flow rate. Child’s weight was taken with minimal clothes using electronic scale. Height was measured using standard stadiometer. BBMI was calculated with the formula - wt. (kg)/ [ht (m)2].
Results: Out of 120 children, boys were 46 and girls were 74. Underweight were 22, normal 58, overweight 16, obese 24. PEFR was 200-249 in 10, 250-280 in 42, 281-310 in 12, 311-340 in 38, 341-370 in 10 and 371-400 in 8 children. Age 10 years had 14, 11 years had 20, 12 years had 26, 13 years had 20, 14 years had 12 and 15 years had 28 children. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). There was correlation of PEFR with age (r- 0.412, p- 0.02) and BMI (r- 0.582, p- 0.03).
Conclusion: Obesity prevention by regular exercises and appropriate diet is important in maintaining normal PEFR.