For the evaluation of a respiratory test at high altitude, several factors must be taken into account: the decreased barometric pressure, the decreased density of air and the degree of acclimatization which is related to the altitude and to the length of exposure. Several studies have shown a reduction in forced vital capacity (FVC) at high altitude and using simulated conditions, mainly related to an increase in pulmonary blood volume and development of interstitial edema. To assess the daily spirometric patterns during ascending to high altitudes we studied 17 healthy subjects at both Capanna Regina Margherita on the Italian Alps (4,559 m) and the Pyramid Laboratory in Nepal (5,050 m). Respiratory function tests were performed every day. Peak expiratory flow values significantly increased. The mean percent increase was 15% at 3,200 and 3,600 m and 26% at 4,559 m. FVC and MEF25 values showed a significant decrease (p < 0.005) during the first days above 3,500 m and improved only after...
Respiratory Function at different altitudes.
COGO, Annaluisa;
1997
Abstract
For the evaluation of a respiratory test at high altitude, several factors must be taken into account: the decreased barometric pressure, the decreased density of air and the degree of acclimatization which is related to the altitude and to the length of exposure. Several studies have shown a reduction in forced vital capacity (FVC) at high altitude and using simulated conditions, mainly related to an increase in pulmonary blood volume and development of interstitial edema. To assess the daily spirometric patterns during ascending to high altitudes we studied 17 healthy subjects at both Capanna Regina Margherita on the Italian Alps (4,559 m) and the Pyramid Laboratory in Nepal (5,050 m). Respiratory function tests were performed every day. Peak expiratory flow values significantly increased. The mean percent increase was 15% at 3,200 and 3,600 m and 26% at 4,559 m. FVC and MEF25 values showed a significant decrease (p < 0.005) during the first days above 3,500 m and improved only after...I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
