The Effect of a Single Cigarette Puff on Air Flow in the Lungs

Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was measured in 160 apparently healthy males, 15 50 years of age, consisting of 60 non-smokers (control) and 100 who volunteered to smoke (experimental subjects). Out of the 100 subjects, 50 who were also non-smokers smoked a cigarette through a single suck (puff). Another 50 who previously smoked also took a single puff. Results indicate that PEFR for the control group was 558 ± 10L/min in the 30 younger subjects (15-30yrs) and 516 ± 11 L/min in the 30 older subjects (31 50 years) and the difference was significant (P<0.05) The initial PEFR for smokers before they took a puff was significantly lower than for non-smokers (P<0.05). After a puff, there was no significant difference in PEFR between the smokers and non-smokers in the younger group. In the older group, PEFR of smokers was lower than those of non-smokers (P<0.05). Overall, a puff of cigarette significantly reduced PEFR in non-smokers, but the reduction in PEFR following a single puff in smokers was not significant.