Continuous Recording of the Work of Breathing and its Clinical Application

Abstract

New equipment has been invented which makes it possible to measure continuously the inspiratory work of breathing using the equation W=[formula omitted] P·[formula omitted] dt. Upon clinical 0 application of this equipment, not only the decreased sensitivity of the respiratory center but also an increase of lung resistance is confirmed to be included in the decrease of the ventilatory response during CO2 inhalation. During CO2 inhalation and during exercise, both the inspiratory and the expiratory responses are sometimes observed, but neither of them has any relationship with the mechanical properties of the lungs. Ventilatory response during exercise distinctly differs from that during an increase of CO2 a decrease of pH, and anoxia and for that reason the inclusion of other components should be considered as a possible stimulus to the respiratory center during exercise. © 1970, Tohoku University Medical Press. All rights reserved.