In chronic bronchitis, how do the peak flow rates compare to predicted values?

In chronic bronchitis, how do the peak flow rates compare to predicted values?

• A. Higher than predicted
• B. Equal to predicted
• C. Lower than predicted
• D. Not measurable

Answer: (C)

Chronic bronchitis is characterized by long-term inflammation of the bronchi, leading to increased mucus production and narrowing of the airways. This results in airflow obstruction, which is evident in pulmonary function tests. One of the key findings in chronic bronchitis is that peak expiratory flow rates are typically lower than predicted values for individuals of the same age, sex, height, and weight. As the disease progresses, the obstruction can lead to difficulties in expelling air from the lungs due to the chronic inflammation and mucus hypersecretion. This means that patients often experience reduced lung function, reflected in lower peak flow rates compared to what would be expected based on normal values. In individuals with chronic bronchitis, the obstructive nature of the disease leads to a decline in airflow, especially during expiration. Therefore, the correct understanding of peak flow rates in chronic bronchitis is that they will be lower than predicted, which aligns with the physiological changes occurring in the airways due to this condition.

Chronic bronchitis is characterized by long-term inflammation of the bronchi, leading to increased mucus production and narrowing of the airways. This results in airflow obstruction, which is evident in pulmonary function tests. One of the key findings in chronic bronchitis is that peak expiratory flow rates are typically lower than predicted values for individuals of the same age, sex, height, and weight.

As the disease progresses, the obstruction can lead to difficulties in expelling air from the lungs due to the chronic inflammation and mucus hypersecretion. This means that patients often experience reduced lung function, reflected in lower peak flow rates compared to what would be expected based on normal values.

In individuals with chronic bronchitis, the obstructive nature of the disease leads to a decline in airflow, especially during expiration. Therefore, the correct understanding of peak flow rates in chronic bronchitis is that they will be lower than predicted, which aligns with the physiological changes occurring in the airways due to this condition.