Limitations of Frequency Dependence as a Measure of Airway Obstruction

The purpose of this study is to develop a pulmonary model and determine the frequency response sensitivity of mechanical parameters such as impedance, dynamic compliance, and dynamic resistance as a function of individual airway properties. Computer simulations of a three compartment model of various physiological cases were used to determine lung parameters as a function of frequency, peripheral airway contribution to total airway resistance, and relative percent obstruction of the peripheral airways. Provided our present concepts of the lung are valid and adequately incorporated into the present model, our results indicate the utility of frequency dependence as a measure of airway obstruction.