Keywords
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic value of capnography for early detection of lung function disorders in COPD in smokers. We compared results of capnography and spirometry and selected the most informative capnographic parameters in three groups of mine-workers (40 persons each): in non-smokers with normal spirometry, in smokers with normal spirometry and both in smokers and non-smokers with airway obstruction. Curves of dependence of РCO2 against time was studied. A significant increase in the slope of capnographic alveolar phase during both tidal and deep expiration and a tendency to alveolar hyperventilation were found in obstructive patients. Similar, but less prominent results were obtained in smokers with normal spirometry. Conclusion. Capnography could be useful for early detection of lung function disorders in COPD in smokers before preceding occurrence of spirometric abnormalities (airway obstruction). The most informative indicators of capnograme was revealed.