[Bronchial resistance and its determining factors in middle and old age]

In 65 apparently healthy elderly and old subjects (aged 60-89) and 26 young ones (aged 18-35) the bronchial resistance (Raw) was determined by means of simultaneous recording of esophageal pressure and a pneumotachogram. In the aged an increase of Raw, especially during expiration, and a decrease in specific conductance of lungs were found. In the group of young subjects the Raw was increased in women. In the aged the sex differences in Raw were levelled.