Background: Pulmonary function tests are of prime importance in the diagnosis and prognosis of a large number of respiratory disorders. Normative values of lung functions of healthy population are affected by multitude of factors like geographic, ethnic, climatic and demographic factors. So it is essential to have a reference value of the sample population to prevent under diagnosis and over diagnosis of any disease.

Objectives: Present study was designed to derive normative values of spirometric indices, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV₁), FEV₁ as a percentage of FVC (FEV₁%), mid expiratory flow rate (FEF25-75%) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in both sexes.

Material and Methods: Pulmonary function tests were carried out in a total of 160 non- smoking healthy adult subjects, of age group between 21-60yrs. 80 each of them were from opposite sex

Results and Conclusion: Values of the above spirometric parameters were obtained which were comparable with that of other South Indian studies. Male sex had higher spirometric values compared to female sex except for FEV1/FVC ratio. The differences in all parameters FEV1/FVC ratio were statically significant.  These values may be used as reference values in this geographical area.

Keywords: FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF, PEFR, sex.

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Jowhara. P.V

Additional Professor, Department of Physiology, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India

Mob: 8547354578, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.