Site and Nature of Airway Obstruction in Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease

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Abstract
We have wedged a small catheter in airways 2 to 3 mm in diameter in excised human lungs to have measure airway resistance central (Rc) and peripheral (Rp) to this site. In five normal lungs, R accounted for only 25 per cent total airway resistance (RL) and averaged 0.18 cm of water per liter per second. In seven patients with emphysema Rp was increased from four to 40 times. Rp was also increased in one case of bronchiectasis and another of bronchiolitis. In all, Rc scattered around the normal value. Bronchographic and histologic studies showed that Rp was increased because of mucus plugging, narrowing and obliteration of the small airways.