In this paper, the mechanical properties of the lungs were measured in 5 smokers and 5 nonsmokers. Detailed investigations were carried out on smokers during periods when they were smoking and when smoking was prohibited (3 months).
The results obtained were as follows:
1) The breathing work of smokers tends to be lower than that of nonsmokers.
2) The lung resistance of smokers tends to be higher than that of non-smokers.
3) The pressure-volume loops of smokers shift farther left than that of non-smokers.
4) The distubances in several mechanical properties observed during the period the smoking improved with the prohibition of smoking.