A COMPARISON OF EXPIRATORY AND INSPIRATORY FLOW RATES IN HEALTH AND IN CHRONIC PULMONARY DISEASE

Journal/Book: Reprinted from THORAX September 1959 vol. 14 No. 3 p. 225.. 1959;

Abstract: From the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics University of St. Andrews Queen's College Dundee and Bridge of Earn Hospital (RECEIVED FOR PUBLICATION JANUARY 26 1959) SUMMARY The maximum expiratory and inspiratory flow rates (M.E.F.R. and M.I.F.R.) have been measured spirometrically according to the method of Danzig and Comroe. Normally the M.E.F.R. has a higher value than the M.I.F.R. but with the development of a ventilatory defect the relationship is completely reversed. This ratio reversal is highly significant when related to the degree of dyspnoea. The abnormal physiological basis for the ratio reversal is discussed. In patients who show it emphysema is to be suspected. In such patients a maximum expiratory effort may produce a one-second volume considerably below that which could be achieved by a lesser effort. We wish to thank Dr. D. J. Cameron for his valuable assistance in the early stages of this study Dr. W. A. Wilson for the statistical analysis and Dr. R. M. L. Weir (Kirkcaldy) and Dr. J. W. Fraser (Dunfermline) who referred many of the patients for assessment. schö

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