Comparison of peak expiratory flow rate and forced expiratory volume in 1st second in male smokers and non-smokers

Pulmonary function tests i.e., peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR] and forced expiratory volume in first second [FEV1] were performed on 90 age matched smokers and 121 non smokers. In all age groups, PEFR values were significantly lower in smokers, as compared to non-smokers, except in the age group of 20-29 years. FEV values showed a significant difference in smokers and non-smokers after the age of 40 years Values of PEFR and FEV1 were lowest in the heavy smoking group. Decline in PEFR and FEV1 values, with the so, in age, was more rapid in smokers as compared to the control group, representing considerable obstruction the airways of smokers