Measurement of lung mechanics during spontaneous tidal breathing in out-patient care [article]

Sarah Howe, University Of Canterbury
2020
Respiratory disease is a major public health problem worldwide. In New Zealand alone, it costs the economy 5.5 billion NZD annually (∼1.8% GDP), with 1 in 6 New Zealanders affected. Respiratory diseases can be classified as either obstructive or restrictive. Obstructive lung disease is characterized by airway obstruction and increased resistance in the airways. Examples of obstructive lung diseases include asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis. Restrictive lung disease is characterised by an
more » ... ty to inhale due to an increase in lung elastance (a stiff lung), weakness in the muscles controlling respiration, or due to external pressure on the lungs. Examples of restrictive diseases include fibrotic diseases of the lung, neuromuscular disorders and obesity. The different effect the two classes of respiratory disease have on breathing implies a need to assess lung function in terms of both airway resistance and lung elastance. The most commonly performed lung function test is spirometry. Lung function testing is required to diagnose the type and severity of respiratory disease. Spirom- etry is able to guide outpatient respiratory care, but does not provide information about the underlying lung mechanics, which change in response to lung condition. These mechanics could provide a true and potentially more accurate assessment of lung condition. However, the underlying lung mechanics are not typically monitored in outpatient care due to the additional cost and specialised equipment required. As such there is a need for an easily accessible, cost effective lung function test to measure lung mechanics. This thesis develops a novel, model-based lung function test, and an associated test- ing device, all designed for use in monitoring outpatients with chronic respiratory disease. This test aims to meet the following criteria: • Measure lung mechanics during spontaneous tidal breathing, to give deeper insight into lung condition while minimising patient effort during testing. • Test should be easily accessible, able to be p [...]
doi:10.26021/1116 fatcat:c6bcckoukfhsldysv4245geqxy