Srinivasa Jayachandra

Address for correspondence: Dr. Srinivasa Jayachandra, Associate Professor, Department of Physiology,Fathima Institute of Medical Sciences,Kadapa,Andhra Pradesh, India.

Email: jayachandra.srinivasa@gmail.com

Introduction: Tobacco smoking in India has been increasing alarmingly. Smoking is a known risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers, especially, the lung cancer.

Objectives: To assess the effects of tobacco smoking on Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and absolute eosinophil count (AEC) in male volunteers.

Material and Methods: : The study population divided into two groups study (n=40, male smokers ) and control group (n=40, non smokers).Subjects were aged between 18 to 26 years. PEFR was measured by using Wright’s mini Peak Flow Meter and AEC was done by using Neubauer counting chamber

Results: PEFR was lower in smokers when compared to non-smokers which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). However, mean eosinophil count was higher in smokers when compared to non-smoker (p < 0.05). The correlation between PEFR and AEC was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The mean AEC showed higher value in smokers. But PEFR were significantly lower in male smokers compared to non-smokers. A significant decrease in the PEFR and an increase in the AEC with severity of cigarette smoking were observed. The relationship between PEFR and AEC was not statistically significant.

Keywords : Smoking, peak expiratory flow rate, absolute eosinophil count