Atemwegsresistenz

Atemwegsresistenz, also known as airway resistance, is a measure of the opposition to airflow in the respiratory system. It is a critical parameter in the assessment of lung function and is often evaluated using spirometry, a technique that measures the volume and flow of air during breathing. High airway resistance can indicate various respiratory conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other obstructive lung diseases.

Airway resistance is influenced by several factors, including the diameter of the airways, the viscosity of the mucus lining the airways, and the elasticity of the airway walls. In healthy individuals, the airways are relatively large and smooth, allowing for efficient airflow. However, in conditions like asthma, the airways may become narrowed due to inflammation and constriction, leading to increased resistance.

The measurement of airway resistance is typically expressed in units of specific airway resistance (sRaw) or total airway resistance (Raw). sRaw is calculated by dividing the pressure drop across the airways by the airflow rate, while Raw is the ratio of the pressure drop to the airflow rate at the mouth. These measurements help clinicians to diagnose and manage respiratory conditions, as well as to monitor the effectiveness of treatments.

In summary, Atemwegsresistenz is a key indicator of lung health, reflecting the ease or difficulty with which air can flow through the respiratory system. Understanding and monitoring airway resistance are essential for the diagnosis and management of respiratory diseases.