What is PIFR?

Peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) is the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled over the time course of 1 deep breath, measured in L/min. The more severe the patient’s COPD and the older they are, the lower their PIFR.1,2


PIFR Declines substantially with increasing age and disease severity1

Graph has been derived from a scatter plot and linear equation. From a trial of 53 COPD patients (35 mild, 17 moderate, 1 severe).


References:

1.Jarvis S, Ind PW, Shiner RJ. Inhaled therapy in elderly COPD patients; time for re-evaluation? Age Ageing. 2007;36(2):213-218. 2. Al-Showair RAM, Tarsin WY, Assi KH, Pearson SB, Chrystyn H. Can all patients with COPD use the correct inhalation flow with all inhalers and does training help? Respir Med. 2007;101(11):2395-2401.