Airway resistance
Airway Resistance
Airway resistance (pronunciation: AIR-way re-ZIS-tance) is a measure of the resistance to airflow in the respiratory tract during inhalation and exhalation.
Etymology
The term "airway resistance" is derived from the English words "airway", referring to the tubes through which air passes into and out of the lungs, and "resistance", which in this context refers to the opposition or counteracting force.
Definition
Airway resistance is a concept in respiratory physiology that describes the resistance of the respiratory tract to airflow during the process of inhalation and exhalation. It is typically measured in cmH2O/L/s (centimeters of water per liter per second).
Factors Affecting Airway Resistance
Several factors can affect airway resistance, including the diameter and length of the airways, the viscosity of the air, and the smoothness of the airway walls. Conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis can increase airway resistance, making it harder to breathe.
Measurement
Airway resistance can be measured using a variety of techniques, including spirometry, plethysmography, and the forced oscillation technique. These measurements can help diagnose and monitor conditions that affect the airways.
Related Terms
- Respiratory tract: The series of organs responsible for taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide.
- Asthma: A condition in which a person's airways become inflamed, narrow and swell, and produce extra mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs.
- Bronchitis: Inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs.
- Spirometry: A common office test used to assess how well your lungs work by measuring how much air you inhale, how much you exhale and how quickly you exhale.
- Plethysmography: A test used to measure the volume of the lungs.
- Forced oscillation technique: A method of measuring respiratory mechanics.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Airway resistance
- Wikipedia's article - Airway resistance
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