TY - JOUR JF - European Respiratory Review JO - EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW SP - 59 LP - 60 DO - 10.1183/09059180.00010001 VL - 15 IS - 100 AU - A. Wanner Y1 - 2006/12/01 UR - http://err.ersjournals.com/content/15/100/59.abstract N2 - Pulmonary hyperinflation is commonly divided into static and dynamic in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The former can be directly attributed to the emphysema-related reduction in lung elasticity, leading to a larger volume at which lung and chest wall recoil pressures are balanced. As a consequence, both total lung capacity and functional residual capacity increase above their normal levels. Conversely, dynamic hyperinflation (DH) is caused by expiratory airflow limitation, air trapping and “auto-positive end-expiratory pressure”. This further increases functional residual capacity. Extensive literature has accumulated on the objective and subjective manifestations and sequelae of pulmonary hyperinflation in COPD, including effects on respiratory muscle function, ventilation, work of breathing, exercise tolerance, cardiovascular function, dyspnoea and health status. The purpose of the articles in this issue of the European Respiratory Review is to summarise some of this information by addressing the physiology, clinical consequences and several established and novel treatment modalities targeting pulmonary hyperinflation in patients with COPD. Inflammation is now recognised as a key element … ER -