Understanding the equation will simplify the concept of dead space greatly. The Bohr equation can be used to calculate the amount of dead space in a lung. From this equation, clinicians can determine that the total volume gas inspired is not being fully utilized in the gas exchange due to the constant anatomical dead space. Thus, to know the volume of gas that reaches the alveoli per unit time we use the alveolar ventilation equation which states alveolar ventilation (VA) equals VT minus physiologic dead space (VD) multiplied by RR. This equation demonstrates that the total volume entering the lung is not equivalent to the total volume of gas reaching the alveoli because it does not factor in the gas in the anatomical dead space resting in the conductive airway. The equation states VE equals tidal volume (VT) multiplied by respiratory rate (RR).

The volume that enters the lung per minute is known as minute ventilation (VE). There are two equations needed to calculate the volume that enters the lungs and the volume that reaches the alveoli.

Ventilation is the manner by which air enters the lungs. One can see an increase in the value of physiologic dead space in lung disease states where the diffusion membrane of alveoli does not function properly or when there are ventilation/perfusion mismatch defects. Therefore, physiologic dead space is equivalent to anatomical. In a healthy adult, alveolar dead space can be considered negligible. The respiratory zone is comprised of respiratory bronchioles, alveolar duct, alveolar sac, and alveoli. Physiologic or total dead space is equal to anatomic plus alveolar dead space which is the volume of air in the respiratory zone that does not take part in gas exchange.

This volume is considered to be 30% of normal tidal volume (500 mL) therefore, the value of anatomic dead space is 150 mL. Anatomical dead space is represented by the volume of air that fills the conducting zone of respiration made up by the nose, trachea, and bronchi. The two types of dead space are anatomical dead space and physiologic dead space. Dead space represents the volume of ventilated air that does not participate in gas exchange.

Normal physiological dead space