Emphysema and airway disease affect within-breath changes in respiratory resistance in COPD patients

摘要

Background and objectiveChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by a mixture of emphysema and airway disease. The forced oscillation technique (FOT) has been applied to COPD patients to clarify changes in respiratory mechanics; dynamic changes in respiratory resistance (Rrs) during breathing (within-breath changes in Rrs, Rrs) are characteristic of COPD. However, the pathophysiological significance of these changes is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess how emphysema and airway disease influence Rrs in COPD patients.