CHANGES IN PULMONARY-FUNCTION AFTER NATURALLY ACQUIRED RESPIRATORY-INFECTION IN NORMAL PERSONS

Abstract

Changes in pulmonary function due to naturally occurring respiratory tract infection [bacterial or viral] were examined in 26 normal healthy volunteers for 6 mo. Forced expiratory maneuvers in each volunteer were recorded at 2 wk intervals throughout the study and daily during illness. Significant impairment of peak expiratory flow rate, forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in 1 s and maximal mid-expiratory flow rate at 50% of the vital capacity was observed during infection; changes in the maximal expiratory expiratory flow rate at 75% of vital capacity were nonsignificant. Large airways are affected during uncomplicated respiratory infections in normal healthy persons and the changes observed in FVC suggest that more widespread involvement of the small airways may occur.