SPIROMETRIC VALUES IN OBESE CHILDREN OF AMRITSAR AGED 10–15 YEARS

Abstract

Pulmonary function tests are getting increased favour not only of industrial physiologists but also of practicing physicians. Obesity is a major health concern facing today’s society. This study has looked into a possible role of obesity in the aetiology of mortality, with decreased pulmonary functions resulting in cardiovascular disease. Methods: Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) of normal healthy obese children of Amritsar population in age group ranging 10–15 years were performed on a spirometer and compared with normal children of the same age group. All tests were performed at the same time of the day in all subjects. Results: There were insignificant changes in FVC, FEV₁ and FEV₁/FVC among obese children when compared to non-obese children of the same age group. There was significant decline in PEF and FEV_25–75 among obese children compared to non-obese children of the particular age group. Conclusion: There are not much significant changes of spirometric values in obesity in FVC, FEV₁ and its ratio. However PEF and FEV_25–75 showed significant decline in obesity.