Identification of dynamic hyperinflation using a combination of expiratory flow and respiratory carbon dioxide signals.

The present invention relates to a method for identification of an increase in the gas volume of the lung caused by the inability of a patient to expire completely, known as dynamic hyperinflation or gas trapping. The method applies analysis of a patient´s pattern of expiratory flow, along with the pattern of respiratory, e.g. expiratory, carbon dioxide level, for example the capnography signal. Analysis of these signals enables identification of dynamic hyperventilation, along with identification of change in the degree of dynamic hyperinflation indicating improvement or worsening in the patient state.