Application of a New Technique (Closing Volume) for the Early Detection of Obstructive Lung Disease in the Elderly*

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A new noninvasive technique (closing volume) for measuring early obstruction of the airways was studied in 47 geriatric patients, and pulmonary function was found to be abnormal in 39 (84 per cent). In 31 (66 per cent) of the 47 patients the conventional spirometric FEF25–75 method also indicated obstructive airway disease, but in an additional 8 (17 per cent) the closing volume technique indicated small airway obstruction undetectable by other tests. The closing volume method is more sensitive than previous methods and should be used as a routine part of pulmonary function screening. Obstruction of the small airways is more common in the elderly than is realized, and this technique would provide a means for early detection.