Lung volume reduction surgery has become an accepted therapeutic option to relieve the symptoms of selected patients with severe emphysema. In a majority of these patients, it causes objective as well as subjective functional improvement. A proper understanding of the physiological determinants underlying these beneficial effects appears very important in order to better select patients for the...

OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy of lung hyperinflation maneuvers via a mechanical ventilator compared to isolated tracheal aspiration for removing secretions, normalizing hemodynamics and improving lung mechanics in patients on mechanical ventilation. METHODS This was a randomized crossover clinical trial including patients admitted to the intensive care unit and on mechanical ventilation...

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that use of tiotropium, a new long-acting anticholinergic bronchodilator, would be associated with sustained reduction in lung hyperinflation and, thereby, would improve exertional dyspnoea and exercise performance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was cond...

QUESTION Does a new positive expiratory pressure device (conical-PEP) decrease lung hyperinflation during exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compared to normal breathing? Does it increase the duration of exercise? DESIGN A randomised, cross-over trial with concealed allocation. PARTICIPANTS Thirteen patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary ...

Background: Lophomonas blattarum is protozoan generally parasitizes in the intestinal tracts of some arthropods. It can infect adults and children with unspecific respiratory symptoms. We aimed to investigate the frequency of Lophomonas blattarum in children with respiratory symptoms in North East of Iran. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifty-six children with respiratory symptoms were inv...

During dynamic hyperinflation with induced bronchoconstriction, there is a reduction in lung elastic recoil at constant lung volume (R. Pellegrino, O. Wilson, G. Jenouri, and J. R. Rodarte. J. Appl. Physiol. 81: 964-975, 1996). In the present study, lung elastic recoil at control end inspiration was measured in normal subjects in a volume displacement plethysmograph before and after voluntary i...

The changes in lung function commonly associated with anaesthesia and spontaneous or controlled ventilation are a reduction in lung compliance, an increase in physiological deadspace and an increase in alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference. In 1959 Mead and Collier showed that there was a progressive fall in lung compliance in anaesthetized dogs whether ventilation was spontaneous or cont...

Assessment of weaning readiness The ability to separate successfully from mechanical ventilation is dependent upon a host of physiologic factors (Table 1). Central ventilatory drive must be adequate; the patient must be able to maintain a patent airway, if extubation or decannulation is contemplated; and the patient must be able to cough and adequately clear secretions. Airway resistance must b...