Exercise induced airway obstruction in relation to chronic obstructive lung disease

Abstract

Forty two patients with chronic obstructive lung disease and clinically suspected exercise induced airway obstruction were studied to ascertain whether those with proven exercise induced airway obstruction had specific distinguishing features. Exercise induced airway obstruction (defined as a fall of one second forced expiratory volume of at least 10% of the pre exercise values) was detected in 20 of the 42 patients. These 20 were found to have a lower elastic recoil but were otherwise identical with the remainder as regards clinical and physiological abnormality. It is postulated that exercise induced airway obstruction can be a manifestation of chronic obstructive lung disease.