Effect of the seasons on the peak expiratory flow in institutionalized and noninstitutionalized elderly

ABSTRACT Respiratory diseases affect millions of people, especially the elderly, and climate change is among the predisposing factors interfering with the health of this population. This study aimed to evaluate the peak expiratory flow in institutionalized and noninstitutionalized elderly during the four seasons of the year. A prospective cohort study with 67 elderly men and women living in the city of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil, divided into two groups: institutionalized elderly (n=37) and noninstitutionalized elderly (n=30). The data were collected for one month, once a week in the four seasons of the year, totaling 16 evaluations. The peak expiratory flow was evaluated using the Peak-Flow Meter equipment. The two groups of elderly were compared by two-way analysis of variance using the Bonferroni post-hoc. The lowest mean peak expiratory flow for institutionalized and noninstitutionalized elderly was observed in the summer (176.2±60.2 and 263.2±116.2), followed by fall (193.4±59.5 and 287.5±118), winter (215.3±82.5 and 291.5±08.4), and spring (221.7±83.5 and 291.5±08.4). The conclusion was that the peak of expiratory flow of the elderly varies according to the seasons, but the institutionalized ones have lower values. The highest values are found in the spring, although below the value predicted for the elderly of both groups.