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- On the left, you can see a flow/volume curve that corresponds to the volume/time curve in the previous illustration.
- Flow = Volume/Time.
- By integrating volume and time with volume, the flow volume curve shows how flow varies from the beginning to the end of expiration.
- Flow/volume curves enable an appreciation of peak flow and mid-expiratory flow rates. It is capable of discerning changes in mid- and end-expiratory flow that cannot be seen on a volume/time curve. Flow/volume curves are therefore more sensitive in detecting abnormalities in the smaller conducting airways, a useful sign in the early detection of disease.
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