The Effect of a Single Cigarette Puff on Air Flow in the Lungs

Abstract

Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was measured in 160 apparently healthy males, 15 50 years of age, consisting of 60 non-smokers (control) and 100 who volunteered to smoke (experimental subjects). Out of the 100 subjects, 50 who were also non-smokers smoked a cigarette through a single suck (puff). Another 50 who previously smoked also took a single puff. Results indicate that PEFR for the control group was 558 ± 10L/min in the 30 younger subjects (15-30yrs) and 516 ± 11 L/min in the 30 older subjects (31 50 years) and the difference was significant (P<0.05) The initial PEFR for smokers before they took a puff was significantly lower than for non-smokers (P<0.05). After a puff, there was no significant difference in PEFR between the smokers and non-smokers in the younger group. In the older group, PEFR of smokers was lower than those of non-smokers (P<0.05). Overall, a puff of cigarette significantly reduced PEFR in non-smokers, but the reduction in PEFR following a single puff in smokers was not significant.


Keywords: PEFR, Cigarette puff

Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Research Vol. 5 (1&2) 2007: pp. 4-12