Early diagnosis of airways obstruction

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Abstract
Cochcrane, G. M., Prieto, F., Hickey, B., Benatar, S. R., and Clark, T. J. H.Thorax, 29, 389-393. Early diagnosis of airways obstruction. Three simple tests, maximum expiratory flow volume curve, maximum expiratory volume time curve and `closing volume', were used to detect early airways obstruction in 21 smokers. A high proportion had abnormal values for MEF75%, MEF50%, and FET (86%, 71%, and 62% respectively) with a relatively normal FEV1. There was a good correlation between tests of small airways obstruction obtained from the forced expiratory manoeuvre. The measurement of `closing volume' (phase 4/VC%) was less satisfactory as there were difficulties with interpretation of the records in half of the studies. We conclude that the forced expiratory manoeuvre can be used to detect early airways obstruction as well as providing FEV1 and vital capacity.