Journal of Applied Physiology AJP: Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology
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J Appl Physiol 83: 1517-1521, 1997;
8750-7587/97 $5.00
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Vol. 83, Issue 5, 1517-1521, 1997

Gas compression in lungs decreases peak expiratory flow depending on resistance of peak flowmeter

O. F. Pedersen1, T. F. Pedersen2, and M. R. Miller2

1 Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, University of Aarhus, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; and 2 Department of Medicine, University of Birmingham, Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham B29 6JD, United Kingdom

Received 8 April 1997; accepted in final form 7 July 1997.

Pedersen, O. F., T. F. Pedersen, and M. R. Miller. Gas compression in lungs decreases peak expiratory flow depending on resistance of peak flowmeter. J. Appl. Physiol. 83(5): 1517-1521, 1997.---It has recently been shown (O. F. Pedersen T. R. Rasmussen, Ø. Omland, T. Sigsgaard, P. H. Quanjer, and M. R. Miller. Eur. Respir. J. 9: 828-833, 1996) that the added resistance of a mini-Wright peak flowmeter decreases peak expiratory flow (PEF) by ~8% compared with PEF measured by a pneumotachograph. To explore the reason for this, 10 healthy men (mean age 43 yr, range 33-58 yr) were examined in a body plethysmograph with facilities to measure mouth flow vs. expired volume as well as the change in thoracic gas volume (Vb) and alveolar pressure (PA). The subjects performed forced vital capacity maneuvers through orifices of different sizes and also a mini-Wright peak flowmeter. PEF with the meter and other added resistances were achieved when flow reached the perimeter of the flow-Vb curves. The mini-Wright PEF meter decreased PEF from 11.4 ± 1.5 to 10.3 ± 1.4 (SD) l/s (P < 0.001), PA increased from 6.7 ± 1.9 to 9.3 ± 2.7 kPa (P < 0.001), an increase equal to the pressure drop across the meter, and caused Vb at PEF to decrease by 0.24 ± 0.09 liter (P < 0.001). We conclude that PEF obtained with an added resistance like a mini-Wright PEF meter is a wave-speed-determined maximal flow, but the added resistance causes gas compression because of increased PA at PEF. Therefore, Vb at PEF and, accordingly, PEF decrease.

peak flow-determining factors; thoracic gas compression; added expiratory resistance

0161-7567/97 $5.00 Copyright © 1997 the American Physiological Society




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