New Tests to Assess Lung Function

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Abstract
IN recent years two clinically applicable, simple and rapid methods for measuring the ventilatory response to carbon dioxide and hypoxia have been described.1 , 2 Neither of these methods, however, is capable of differentiating patients who will not breathe because of central or neuromuscular inadequacy from those who cannot breathe because of mechanical abnormalities of the chest, such as airways obstruction and decreased compliance of the respiratory system. Measurement of inspiratory mechanical work,3 , 4 oxygen cost of breathing5 and diaphragmatic electromyography6 have been used in the past to separate patients who will not from those who cannot breathe. These measurements, however, take time, . . .