Problem 22

Background and context

The resistance flow in the airways is determined by the viscosity of the gas, and the dimensions of the airway flow are either laminar or turbulent. During pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia and pulmonary edema diminish lung compliance. Because inspiration is limited due to increased resistance induced by airway occlusion in obstructive lung disease, volumes in the constricted lung are low. Airway resistance may be calculated using the velocity of airflow, the diameter of the airways, and the physical parameters of the gas breathed.