title: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and '150 years of blowing'.
abstract: Spirometry is now an established and important aspect of investigation of many lung diseases. This article considers the history of spirometry, how we come to use the current indices of dynamic lung function, and the role of spirometry in the management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Birmingham, University Hospital Trust, Selly Oak Hospital.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D005540:Forced Expiratory Flow Rates; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000266:history / Q000628:therapy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013147:Spirometry / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods*