CORRELATION BETWEEN NASAL MUCOCILIARY CLEARANCE AND PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW RATE IN YOUNG HEALTHY ADULTS

Abstract

Background: There are fewer studies on correlation between NMC and PEFR in young healthy adults in Indian population, of age group 18-24 years. Objective:To correlate nasal mucociliary clearance and peak expiratory ow rate in young healthy adults, including both females and males. Method: In a cross-sectional study, NMC was assessed by Anderson's Saccharin method and PEFR was measured with standard Wright's peak ow meter in sixty young healthy adults of age 18-24 years. In the selection process of subjects, strict criteria of "normality" were applied and included history of medical illnesses, general examination and systemic examination. Diseases affecting NMC and PEFR were excluded. The correlation of NMC and PEFR was done by Pearson's equation. Results: The correlation between mean NMC and PEFR of young healthy adults (n=60) including both females and males, revealed a weak positive correlation (r = 0.1), which was insignicant (p 0.449). Conclusion: In young healthy adults, as the NMC increases, the PEFR also increases but the relationship between the two is not very strong. However, there is not much reported study on correlation of NMC and PEFR. Hence, it needs to be elucidated by further studies.