Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: Aug | Volume: 7 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 195-200
Effects of Waterpipe Smoking and Cigarette Smoking on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate and Quality of Life
Nidhi M. Prajapati1, Madhur S. Kulkarni2
1Under graduate student, 2Assistant Professor, Chaitanya Medical Foundation’s College of Physiotherapy, Pune.
Corresponding Author: Nidhi M. Prajapati
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Water pipe smoking nowadays is becoming a popular alternative to cigarette smoking. Many people also believe water pipe smoking to be safer than cigarette smoking leading to tolerance of the practice. However, while water pipe smoking also utilizes smoking of tobacco but when compared with cigarette smoking, there are fewer evidences pointing towards the hazardous effects of water pipe smoking. This study was aimed to compare the effects of cigarette and water pipe smoking on peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) & quality of life (QOL).
MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 100 chronic cigarette and water pipe smokers fulfilling the eligibility criteria. The outcome measures assessed were peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR] and SF 36 quality of life questionnaire [SF-36 QOL].
RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was seen in PEFR & QOL in both the groups but more affected in water pipe smokers, except for the two components of SF36 QOL questionnaire viz. pain, energy & fatigue.
CONCLUSION: The PEFR & QOL is affected more in water pipe smokers as compared to cigarette smokers. Hence, it is a myth that water pipe smoking is not as addictive and harmful as smoking a cigarette.
Key words:Waterpipe smoking [WPS], Cigarette smoking [CS], peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR], quality of life [QOL].