[The role of the extra-bronchial factor in controlling maximal expiratory flow in workers exposed to mixed air pollution].

Narrowing of the expiratory air stream, not only depends on the intrabronchial factor (significant increase of airway resistance) but can also be a derivative of decreased elastic recoil. In patients exposed to air pollution the author demonstrated such a mechanism basing on observation of decreased air flow indices (MEFV) accompanied by significantly increased statistical compliance (Cst, sCst), and the decrease of elastic recoil pressure at different lung volumes (PTLC, Pel 60%). This was accompanied by significantly increased RV%TLC indices. The author believes that an important role in affecting maximal air flow indices is played by lung elasticity.