UNRECOGNIZED AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION ASSOCIATED WITH SMOKING: A PROBABLE FORERUNNER OF OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY EMPHYSEMA

Abstract
Tracings of forced expiration following a maximal inspiration were obtained using a 6-1 recording spirometer. Among 213 male factory workers between ages 40 and 60, "heavy smokers" had a mean value for the rate of expiration during the third quarter of forced expiration which was approximately 20% less than that of "light smokers" (p < .01). This reduction in flow rate was not associated with dyspnea in most instances.