Schultze-Werninghaus G, Meier-Sydow J
Krankenanstalten Bergmannsheil, Universität Bochum.
Versicherungsmedizin. 1993 Aug 1;45(4):118-22.
Definition of lung emphysema is based on morphologic criteria (irreversible destruction of alveolar space). In advanced stages of the disease, emphysema may be suspected clinically, by lung auscultation, lung function tests, and radiology. In early stages, there are characteristic functional findings, such as an irreversible decrease in forced expiratory volumes or flows. These simple tests are easily available. In this article, the natural course of lung emphysema is described, based on long term changes in lung function. The typical discrepancy between normal airway resistance and a decrease in FEV1 allows suspicion of early emphysema. In the further development of emphysema, an increase of airway resistance together with hypercapnia indicates severe functional disturbances and cor pulmonale.
肺气肿的定义基于形态学标准（肺泡腔的不可逆破坏）。在疾病的晚期，通过肺部听诊、肺功能测试和放射学检查，临床上可能会怀疑患有肺气肿。在早期阶段，会有一些特征性的功能表现，比如用力呼气量或流速的不可逆下降。这些简单的测试很容易进行。在本文中，基于肺功能的长期变化描述了肺气肿的自然病程。正常气道阻力与第一秒用力呼气容积（FEV1）下降之间的典型差异提示早期肺气肿。在肺气肿的进一步发展过程中，气道阻力增加以及出现高碳酸血症表明存在严重的功能障碍和肺心病。
