A TECHNIQUE FOR EVALUATION OF GAS MIXING IN LUNG - STUDIES IN CIGARETTE SMOKERS AND NONSMOKERS

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Abstract
A technique for evaluation of gas distribution in the lungs was described. Using this technique, it was shown,that gas mixing is essentially complete in normal nonsmoking subjects after about 10 sec. of breath holding following a single inspiration of a gas mixture containing the inert gas neon. Under these circumstances, the mean distribution index neon dilution technique TLCNe/plethysmograph TLCp was approximately 0.99. The distribution index was decreased in smokers, with more decrease in the longer term smokers, indicating some impairment of distribution related to chronic cigarette smoking. This study indicated that a single-breath inert gas technique, carefully controlled, can provide a valid measurement of residual volume or total lung capacity in normal nonsmoking subjects.