Correlation Between Respiratory Phase and Extent of Lung Damage in Air Blast Injury

Abstract

No correlation between the respiratory phase and the extent of lung injury could be found in rabbits exposed to high explosive shock waves in a detonation chamber. Exposure to a shock wave of long duration causes an expulsion of air from the lungs, that is greatest if the lungs are struck when in max. inspiration but is seen even in max. expiration. A shock wave of very short duration causes only a slight or no expulsion of air from the lungs.