[The diagnostic potentials of studying the condensate of expired air].

The author provides the reported data on the mechanisms of water and macromolecular compounds transport to the surface of the air ways. To diagnose moisture secretory function of the lungs, use is made of a new method of collecting expired air condensate. Quantitative and qualitative alterations in its biochemical composition, associated with respiratory diseases, are described. In the obstructive syndrome, the diminution of the condensate volume, changes in the concentration of biogenic amines, hormones and lipids contained by it are observed as is inhibition of the surface activity of surfactants. It is advisable that condensate collection may be performed on a wider scale for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.