Use of aerosols to estimate pulmonary air-space dimensions

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Abstract
Single-breath inhalations of monodisperse aerosols were performed with a group of normal subjects to determine aerosol recovery from the human lung after periods of breath holding. Aerosols of monodisperse nonhygroscopic droplets of bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate of between 0.5 and .apprx. 2.5 .mu.m diameter were used for the inhalation. The inhalation apparatus allows continuous monitoring of particle number concentration and flow rate close to the mouth. Experiments were designed to find the optimum experimental conditions for the principal concept of Palmes to evaluate pulmonary air space dimensions by means of aerosols. Experimental results obtained for various respiratory flow rates (125, 250 and 500 cm3 .cntdot. s-1), settling velocities of the particles (10-3-1.5 .times. 10-2 cm .cntdot. s-1) and volumes of inspired aerosols (500, 1000 and 2000 cm3) are compared to results derived from a mathematical model for the particle deposition during respiratory pauses. Monodisperse aerosols with particles between 1 and .apprx. 1.5 .mu.m diameter inspired for breath holding into the lung region of interest, may provide optimum conditions for the sizing of air spaces by means of aerosols.

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