Abstract
End-expiratory air trapping due to obstructive airway disease can be estimated through the measurement of intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure PEEP i. The influence of breathing-frequency and use of expiratory muscles on PEEP i were measured in 10 normal and 10 chronic bronchitic patients (COPD). Insignificant control values of PEEP i increased to measurable values at high breathing rate in normal subjects. Control values were higher in COPD patients and increased at fast breathing rate. When corrected for the use of expiratory muscles according to simultaneous gastric pressure drop, PEEP i decreased in COPD, but still increased at high rate. We conclude that modifying the respiratory rate can increase PEEP i values independently of the severity of airway obstruction and the use of expiratory muscles. Before estimating the pathological value of a PEEP i measurement or evaluating the effects of a treatment, we always need to know the simultaneous breathing frequency.
Published Version
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