Lung function test with body-pletismograph and diffusion measurement in diagnosis of occupational lung diseases

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Article Title:	Lung function test with body-pletismograph and diffusion measurement in diagnosis of occupational lung diseases
Authors:	Zsuzsanna Szasz*, Lorand Szasz, Horatiu Moldovan
Affiliation:	University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Targu Mureş, Romania Mures County Clinic Hospital, Romania
Abstract:	Lung function test using the body-plethysmograph in a 17 patients study group from professional environment with exposure to irritant gases and vapours found significant changes in residual volume and airway resistance to flow. These changes are also accompanied by abnormal alveolo-capillary diffusion. Data obtained with the body-pletismograph Piston which is featured with the measurement of the gas diffusion capacity mode of the alveolo-capillary membrane, correlated with the results of simple spirometry performed during the periodical medical examination and with the clinical and paraclinical examinations obtained during the hospitalization at the Occupational Health Department, offers a correct and early diagnosis of the lung affections from the professional environment, which also involves a fair therapy and an efficient recovery of work capacity.
Keywords:	body-pletismography, diffusion, COPD, asthma, irritant gases and vapours
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*Correspondence:	Szasz Zsuzsanna-Agnes, Occupational Health Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Targu-Mures, Romania, e-mail: zsuzsannaagnes@yahoo.com