A simple method for delivering a constant volume of helium for the measurement of airway closing volume is described. Using a standard fiveway valve and PVC plastic irrigation pipe, a device was constructed which permits the delivery of a uniform volume of helium and avoids the troublesome valve change during inspiration. Results obtained when using this device were comparable to those with the use of conventional bag to contain the helium.

Helium↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The respiratory disease questionnaire: use of a self-administered version.

A re-designed and simplified respiratory disease questionnaire was self-completed by 245 coke oven workers who previously were interviewed using the Standardized Medical Research Council/National Heart and Lung Institute form. The self-completion survey yielded significantly greater numbers of positive responses to various questions; nearly twice as many men were classified as having chronic bronchitis based on responses to the self-administered questionnaire. The severity of symptoms correlated with various factors such as the worker's smoking history; family history of lung disease, and job history. We suggest that, when compared with an interview using the British Medical Research Council/National Heart and Lung Institute respiratory disease questionnaire, a simplified, self-completion form may serve as a less expensive, more sensitive, and equally uniform and selective epidemiological tool. Self-completion forms deserve the attention and study previously afforded the interview process.

Adult↗