A Comparative Study of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Acute and Chronic Periodontitis

Abstract

BACKGROUND Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of gum which surrounds and supports the teeth. Globally, periodontal disease is one of the most common oral diseases. Unhealthy periodontium has been connected to systemic conditions like pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases. Periodontal disease affects individuals of all ages, but it is most commonly seen in elderly patients. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 65 % of people have respiratory problems due to periodontal disease. Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is defined as the maximum rate and speed of expiration of an individual. We wanted to determine and compare PEFR in acute and chronic periodontitis. METHODS The present case control study was carried out among patients in the 20 - 40 years age group, who were attending outpatient department of Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals. Study participants were grouped into three categories as ‘normal individuals’, ‘patients with acute periodontitis’ and ‘patients with chronic periodontitis’; each group had 20 people. Spirometer was used to detect the peak expiratory flow rate. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS. P value of less than or equal to 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. RESULTS Results were obtained and expressed as mean ± SD. The Tukey HSD Post-hoc Test was used. Significance value is < 0.05. PEFRs are 420 ± 21.37 and 317 ± 21.05 in control and periodontitis individuals, respectively. P values for these criteria were < 0.05. Males have a high PEFR when compared to females in normal individuals group. This difference was statistically not significant. Females have a high PEFR when compared to males in patients with acute periodontitis. This difference was statistically not significant. Males have a high PEFR when compared to females with chronic periodontitis. When compared within and between groups, it was statistically significant (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Periodontitis could be a key source of respiratory disorders. This study shows that acute periodontitis expiratory flow rate was greater than chronic periodontitis expiratory flow rate. Proper maintenance of oral health and early detection of periodontitis may aid in reducing the frequency of respiratory problems due to periodontitis. KEY WORDS Acute Periodontitis, Chronic Periodontitis, Peak Flow Meter, Respiratory Disease