Clinical Value of a Tracing of Forced Expiration (Expirogram)

Abstract

THE accessibility of the lungs to physical and roentgenologic examination has enabled clinicians to diagnose and manage a great many pulmonary diseases without resort to measurements of pulmonary function. There are many cases, however, in which physical examination and x-ray studies do not give enough information for proper management.Tests have been developed that are at least as informative about the various functions of the lungs as those widely used in cardiac, liver and renal disease. Nevertheless, pulmonary function is rarely assessed as part of routine clinical management unless an interested group and a specially equipped laboratory are readily available. . . .