[Ventilation efficiency and nervous breathing regulation in ethanol-dependent persons over 50 year of age].

A ventilatory efficiency and nervous breathing regulation in ethanol dependent patients older than 50 years was compared to younger counterparts during controlled, absolute abstinence while hospitalisation in the Department of Clinical Toxicology. Respiratory resistance was the most differential factor: higher in alcoholics compared to the control group and in older alcoholics higher than in younger alcohol dependent patients. Similarly the occlusion pressure was higher in ethanol dependent persons compared to the control group. A normalisation of respiratory function after 9 days of absolute abstinence was stated in the group of younger alcoholics only. The most of respiratory pattern parameters did not change after the abstinence period. Only values of the occlusion pressure was diminished substantially.