[Study of the effect of salbutamol inhalation on the function of small airways in patients with chronic bronchitis without ventilatory disorders using simple spirographic tests].

In 68 males with chronic bronchitis and normal standard spirometric parameters and in 30 healthy males the following were assessed: VC, FEV1, V50 and V75 before and after Salbutamol inhalations. In chronic bronchitis Salbutamol slightly decreased FEV1 values. Significant improvement of V50 and V75 was seen after Salbutamol inhalations in chronic bronchitis. This was observed more promeinently in comparison with the control group. Significant increase of V50 and V75 was seen in 14% of chronic bronchitics. The improvement in pattency of small airways following administration of bronchodilators can be an index for early identification of patients with chronic bronchitis, although this needs to be verified in prospective spirographic studies.