Changes in Volume of Trapped Gas in the Lungs during Provoked Asthma Followed by Beta-2 Receptor Stimulation

Abstract

The volume of trapped gas (VTG) that could be mobilized by maximal breaths at the end of a nitrogen washout to 2% N2 was measured in 11 subjects with a history of asthma before and after provocation with specific allergens. The change after salbutamol was also measured. VTG was found to be more specific and sensitive for demonstrating early bronchospasm than changes in FEV1, VC or nitrogen washout. Salbutamol relieved all symptoms of bronchospasm.