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The combination of both reduced resting diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DL_CO) and ventilatory efficiency (increased ventilatory requirement for CO₂ clearance [V˙_E/V˙CO₂]) has been linked to exertional dyspnoea and exercise intolerance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. The current study examined if low resting DL_CO and higher exercise ventilatory requirements were associated with earlier critical dynamic mechanical constraints, dyspnoea and exercise limitation in patients with mild COPD.

In this retrospective analysis, we compared V˙_E/V˙CO₂, dynamic inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), dyspnoea and exercise capacity in groups of patients with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage 1 COPD with (1) a resting DL_CO at or greater than the lower limit of normal …