Circadian rhythm of peak expiratory flow rate in healthy north Indian men.

ABSTRACT

Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) variability follows a specific pattern in asthmatics as well as in healthy individuals. There is scarcity of data for Indian healthy subjects. The PEFR (L/min.) was measured with Wright's portable peak flow meter at 0500, 800, 1100, 1400, 1700, 2000 and 2300 hours in 42 healthy, non-smoking adults of age group between 18-26 years. The variability of PEFR revealed a circadian pattern. PEFR levels tend to increase from morning at 500 hours till evening at 1700 hours, with peak PEFR in evening at 1700 hours, after which there was a progressive fall in PEFR levels, till morning 500 hours. This study provides the preliminary reference data of circadian pattern of PEFR in healthy individuals.