Objective assessment of upper airway resistance in the tracheotomized patient.
A test has been devised for measuring upper airway resistance to respiratory airflow in the tracheotomized patient. The test is simple and noninvasive; it utilizes either a body plethysmograph or an oral pneumotach to measure airflow. Pressure is measured through the tracheostomy tube of the stoma below the partial obstruction of the upper airway. The test has many important clinical applications. Its technique, rationale for use, and some clinical applications are briefly discussed in this paper, together with basic concepts of flow dynamics.
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000403:Airway Resistance; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D010993:Plethysmography, Whole Body; D014140:Tracheotomy