PROSPECTIVE-STUDY OF AIRWAY-OBSTRUCTION IN A POPULATION WITH SMALL AIRWAY DISEASE

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 13  (2) , 219-229
Abstract
Results showing an increase of bronchial obstruction due to exposure in an iron foundry are discussed. A sample of 100 subjects, all working in the iron foundry, who were affected only by small airway obstruction were selected. Thirty mo. later, 99 of these subjects were reexamined and the present airway condition determined. In 43 subjects abnormal results of the tests indicating total airway obstruction were found after the 30 mo. Ageing was properly accounted for. Even in the subsample of non-smokers a deterioration had occurred, showing an effective contribution of environmental pollution. The use of RV [residual volume], MMEF [maximal mid-expiratory flow], CV [closing volume], DLCO [pulmonary carbon monoxide diffusing capacity] for detecting small airway obstruction is evaluated. The combination of RV, MMEF and CV is the most efficient mosaic of tests for the selection of subjects with small airway obstruction (89%) and with high probability of developing total airway obstruction (44%).

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