Measurement of the peak expiratory flow, normal values, and interpretation in the asthmatic patients classification

Alfredo Jané LaraI; Mireya Fernández Fernández; Ana Clúa Calderón; María Isabel Lima Abasca; Jorge Ortiz Roque; Reinaldo B Sánchez de la Osa

2014, Number 1

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Rev Cub de Med Fis y Rehab 2014; 6 (1)

Measurement of the peak expiratory flow, normal values, and interpretation in the asthmatic patient's classification

Jané LA, Fernández FM, Clúa CA, Lima AMI, Ortíz RJ, Sánchez ORB

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Language: Spanish
References: 13
Page: 53-60
PDF size: 316.87 Kb.

ABSTRACT

The assessment of lung functions by spirometry or measurement of peak expiratory flow can or not confirms obstruction of the airways in asthmatic patients. Objective: To evaluate the utility of using measurement of peak expiratory flow meters in the asthmatic patient.
Method: The study was conducted in two stages. The first stage consisted of an observational cross-sectional study based on a sample of healthy subjects. The second stage also consisted of an observational cross-sectional study for the classification of asthma severity in adult treated outpatients.
Results: The results from the study of 85 healthy people to determine the normal values of peak expiratory flow in Cuban population and their comparison with those in the literature are presented, finding normal values Tinker 1961 as the most similar those of our sample. The importance of measuring the peak flow in the classification of the severity of asthma is tested and the effect produced by using two different standards is exemplified.
Conclusions: Both classifications differed significantly, which demonstrates the importance of conducting studies in normal Cuban people to better care for our patients.

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