Physiological Research in Chronic Pulmonary Disease: An Evaluation of Alveolar Aeration, Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Transfer and the Pulmonary Circulation

Abstract

An adequate clinical evaluation of pulmonary function requires measurements on the ventilatory status, on the transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs and on the pulmonary blood flow. Single tests of lung function on only one aspect are unsatisfactory. There is need for more extensive application of accurate pulmonary function testing, for better diagnosis of the individual case for medical treatment, for better surgical evaluation in the problem case and more accurate disability appraisal in compensation cases. The pulmonary function evaluation should be used along with the history, the physical and the roentgenological examination. Spirograms are satisfactory screening tests, but lung volume measurements are required for accurate evaluation of emphysema and fibrosis. Measurements on arterial blood and the expired air complete the pulmonary function evaluation. The clinician, chest surgeon, consultant or others, when provided with an accurate pulmonary function evaluation of their problem cases, will come to use and rely on this new field of medicine more and more. On the other hand, inadequate pulmonary function testing will have the reverse effect engendering suspicion and distrust. The pulmonary physiologist must employ an adequate battery of tests well standardized and suitable for routine use on the individual case regardless of the problem, and the information obtained must be interpreted correctly and be dependable for use in arriving at a decision for the best method for handling or managing the individual problem case.