Altered pulmonary function in bronchial asthma

Abstract

Asthma has attracted a great deal of attention over the centuries both because it is common and because of its frequent dramatic manner of presentation (Ellul-Micallef, 1976). Up to comparatively recently, knowledge of physiological changes occurring in asthmatic patients, both during an attack and following therapy has been scanty. Over the past few years various tests have been developed enabling the clinical pulmonary physiologist and the chest physician to measure a number of different variables. It is only by considering all the changes in pulmonary function which take place in this condition that a reasonably clear picture can be obtained and a rational approach to therapy instituted. In this article discussion of altered pulmonary function in asthma includes changes in airway resistance, lung volumes, lung elastic recoil pressure, pulmonary diffusing capacity and arterial blood gas tensions and pulmonary gas exchange.