Modelling an Aerosol Dispersion Test for Detecting Early Airway Changes

Abstract
Spirometry and aerosol dispersion test measurements on human subjects who were smokers or had a history of reactive airways were compared before and after administration of a bronchodilator. The changes detected with aerosol dispersion were consistent with calibre changes in the small airways. A gamma distribution model was developed to account for aerosol dispersion differences seen among groups of previously tested non-smoking, healthy subjects, and asymptomatic smokers, as well as an asthmatic subject who performed the bronchodilation test. The dispersion model simulates a single mixing chamber (with incomplete mixing) in parallel with a variable by-pass fraction, and provides a basis for describing mixing due to inhomogeneity of ventilation as well as incomplete mixing.

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