EFFECTS OF SLOW DEEP BREATHING ON BLOOD GAS EXCHANGE IN EMPHYSEMA

Abstract

An electronic respiration simulator was used to slow the rate of breathing by providing an audible fixed pattern in 35 cases of severe emphysema. This pattern of breathing resulted in a 40 to 50% slowing of the respiratory rate and a 50 to 100% increase in the tidal volume as compared with the re -suits in uncontrolled breathing. There was a significant improvement in the arterial blood O2 saturation and increased elimination of the CO2 during the period of controlled breathing. The total minute ventilation and the resting O2 uptake were increased slightly, without significant changes in the percentage of O2 extracted from the inspired air breathed. This study indicates that a slow deep rate of breathing in the patient with severe emphysema improves the blood gas exchange for O2 and CO2. These findings, although of smaller magnitude, were similar to the observations with intermittent positive pressure breathing on compressed air. The electronic respiration simulator presents an interesting aspect on auditory control of respiration with respect to stimuli superimposed on the respiratory center in the regulation of breathing.