PMID: 1187279Nov 1, 1975Paper

A comparison of pulmonary function tests in detecting exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

Pediatrics
J M Buckley, J F Souhrada

Abstract

In an attempt to compare most of the available pulmonary function tests in detecting airway obstruction after exercise, two studies were conducted. In the first study 24 bronchodilator-dependent asthmatic boys were evaluated before treadmill exercise (baseline) and at 7 and 30 minutes afterwards. The following pulmonary function parameters were measured: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), maximum mid expiratory flow (MMEF), peak expiratory flow rate, thoracic gas volume, airway resistance, specific airway conductance (SGaw), and closing volume (CV). Results showed that SGaw, MMEF, and CV were the most sensitive parameters reflecting changes in airway caliber. Less significant changes also appeared in FEV1 and in FVC. The significance of these changes and their relationships to other parameters are discussed. In an attempt to better understand the effects of airway obstruction on the maximum-expiratory flow-volume curve (MMEF curve) after exersise, a second study was conducted. Comparisons were made between "classical" parameters such as MMEF (measured by spirometry), SGaw (measured by body plethysmography), and flow-volume parameters (measured by wedge spirometer). Sixteen asthmatic subj...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Asthma

This feed focuses in Asthma in which your airways narrow and swell. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Allergy and Asthma

Allergy and asthma are inflammatory disorders that are triggered by the activation of an allergen-specific regulatory t cell. These t cells become activated when allergens are recognized by allergen-presenting cells. Here is the latest research on allergy and asthma.