WORKSHOP ON ASSESSMENT OF RESPIRATORY CONTROL IN HUMANS .1. METHODS OF MEASUREMENT OF VENTILATORY RESPONSES TO HYPOXIA AND HYPERCAPNIA

Abstract

Because abnormalities in the chemical regulation of ventilation may occur in the absence of lung disease [human] and still produce hypoxia and hypercapnia, some standardization in methods and terminology was proposed. Quantification of the stimulus/response relationship to hypercapnia may be accomplished by steady state and rebreathing methods. The effect of lung disease on the usefulness of ventilation as a measure of chemoreceptor output is discussed, along with procedures recommended for evaluating sensitivity to hypoxia and hypercapnia.