Peak expiratory flow rates of healthy tribal children living at high altitudes in the Himalayas.

Abstract

Peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR) of 237 healthy tribal children living at or above 3000 metres from sea level were measured. The mean age, height and PEFR for boys were 10.7 years, 130.7 cm, 245.5 +/- 74.0 l/min, respectively. The values of these parameters in girls were 10.5 years, 128.2 cm and 222.3 +/- 78.6 l/min. The PEFR of these children, especially for boys, were comparable with North Indian urban children or children of the West.