Measurements of the dead space volume

Abstract

The “anatomical” dead space is commonly measured by sampling an inert gas (N2) and volume in the exhalation following a large breath of oxygen (VD(F)). It may also be measured from an inert gas washout (VD(O)) that describes both volume and the delivery of VD(O) throughout the expiration. VD(O) is known to increase with age and is enlarged in some obstructive syndromes. VD(O) was appreciably larger than VD(F) in our normal subjects. Both measures increased with lung volume, the increase being entirely due to an increase in the volume of phase I. Physiological dead space (VD(p)) however, did not change significantly with lung volume, showing “alveolar” dead space to diminish as a result. An increase in VD(O) occurred with increasing respiratory frequency that was explained by the increase in volume of phase I. Although an increase in VD(F) occurred with frequency, this was significantly less than that seen by VD(O), i.e., VD(F) did not see the progressive increase in phase I volume with frequency. No lung volume or frequency changes, parasympatholytic or sympathomimetic drugs, or altered patterns of breathing simulated the late delivery of dead space seen in age and some obstructive syndromes.