[Perspectives of a respiratory function analysis]

The necessity to develop procedures to assess respiratory functions which are independent of collaboration, non-invasive, specific, differentiating and sensitive, is stressed. New measuring methods, like main stream detection for oxygen and carbon dioxide as well as continuous assessment of pulmonary impedance are permissive for this purpose. In addition new characteristic quantities are defined. By using these new tools it is shown that the Tiffeneau-maneuver effects the properties of the bronchial system substantially. Examples of application show clearly that single measurements are not sufficient for characterization of the bronchial system. Instead continuous measurement during a certain closed period are proposed to get a so-called bronchogram. The increased sensitivity possibly makes provocation tests with its risks needless. Experimental results reveal longterm instabilities of the bronchial system, which may be discovered by a longterm-bronchogram in analogy to a longterm electrocardiogram. A new detector for the skin is presented; it allows the determination of an intracutaneous oxygen partial pressure as well as the oxygen conductivity of the skin. All results offer possibilities of functional analysis as mentioned above.