[Methods for diagnosing the physiopathological mechanisms of bronchial obstruction]

This study aimed at clarification of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying bronchial obstruction in 28 18-71-year-old patients with chronic bronchitis (CB) diagnosed 2-8 years before. The patients had moderate obstructive disorders in distal parts of the bronchial tree. Investigations revealed a group of patients with paradoxical response to beta-blockers manifesting as lowering of bronchial resistance and high speed. Bronchial obstruction in these patients proved to arise primarily from early expiratory collapse of small bronchi. Administration of beta-mimetic and beta-blocking agents may serve as pharmacological tests able to discover mechanisms of bronchial obstruction and help in the choice of adequate therapy for chronic bronchitis.