Forced expiratory flow during 25%-75% of expiration in middle aged obese and non-obese females – A comparitive study

Abstract

Introduction:Obesity can cause various health hazards in women in many ways. Overweight or being obese is associated with various risk factors like diabetes and coronary artery disease in women. The incidence of obesity is increasing worldwide. Obesity can cause alteration in pulmonary function which may lead to early morbidity and mortality. FEF 25%-75% is one of the most effort independent portion of the curve, more sensitive parameter to airflow in peripheral airways, where disease of chronic airflow obstruction can begin. Reduced Expiratory Flow rate value in obese individuals may be probably due to increase in the total peripheral resistance and airway resistance with obesity. Hence the present study was undertaken to know the impact of obesity on Forced Expiratory Flow rate25%-75% in middle aged obese females. Aims and Objectives: The present study was conducted ` to compare Pulmonary function test parameter FEF 25%-75% in middle aged obese and non-obese females, to determine the impact of obesity on FEF25%-75%. Materials and Methods: Dynamic Pulmonary Function tests (PFTs) of 50 normal, healthy, non-obese middle aged females and 50 healthy but obese middle aged females, age group 30-45 years of Hubli city were determined and were compared with its normal counterparts. Study subjects were classified into obese and non-obese based on WHO classification of BMI. To obtain the dynamic pulmonary function test computerized Spirometer Eazy on-PC model were used. Dynamic PFT parameter FEF25%-75%was used as measure of lung function. Results: In our Study conducted, middle aged obese females had FEF25%-75% (litre) of 2.53± 0.85 compared to corresponding values in controls were 2.77±1.06.Our study showed statistically significant differences between two groups. Conclusion: In our study Dynamic pulmonary function test parameter FEF25%-75% showed statistically significant reduction in obese compared to non-obese middle aged females.