title: The flow volume curve as a diagnostic tool.
abstract: The flow volume curve is useful for differentiating the various types of airway abnormalities. The conventional spirometric data have not been very useful in this regard, and therefore flow volume curves are now used as an adjunct measure in most laboratories in which pulmonary function is measured clinically. This article reviews the basic physiological concepts underlying the usefulness of the flow volume curve and describes the abnormalities which can be detected by this technique, with special reference to its role in clinical medicine.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008450:Maximal Midexpiratory Flow Rate; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation; D013896:Thoracic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D013899:Thoracic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D014797:Vital Capacity