Robert Brown, M.D., Professor

My main research interest is pulmonary physiology. Specific areas of interest are airway responsiveness, airway-parenchymal interdependence, clinical asthma, the effects of air pollution on airway reactivity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and the effects of anesthetics on airway reactivity. A variety of techniques are used including high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging, gamma camera imaging, as well as fiberoptic bronchoscopy and more traditional measurements of spirometry and body-plethysmography to assess the structural and inflammatory status of the airways. More recently, a secondary area of research interest is natural rubber latex allergy. More specific areas are occupational exposure to latex in the operating rooms, and the natural history of latex allergic individuals.