This article examines the possibility of travelling to altitude for patients suffering from bronchial asthma. The mountain environment, the adaptations of the respiratory system to high altitude, the underlying pathophysiologies of asthma and the recommendations for the patients, according to altitude, are discussed. In summary: stay at low altitude gives a significant beneficial effect to asthmatic patients, due to the reduction of airway inflammation and the lower response to bronchoconstrictor stimuli; about stay at moderate altitude there is few conflicting information and no clinical data; at high altitude, the environment seems beneficial for well controlled asthmatics but the intense exercise and the upper airway infections (frequent during trekking) can be an additional risk and should be avoided. Furthermore, in remote areas health facilities are often difficult to reach.
Bronchial asthma: Advice for patients traveling to high altitude
COGO, Annaluisa;
2009
Abstract
This article examines the possibility of travelling to altitude for patients suffering from bronchial asthma. The mountain environment, the adaptations of the respiratory system to high altitude, the underlying pathophysiologies of asthma and the recommendations for the patients, according to altitude, are discussed. In summary: stay at low altitude gives a significant beneficial effect to asthmatic patients, due to the reduction of airway inflammation and the lower response to bronchoconstrictor stimuli; about stay at moderate altitude there is few conflicting information and no clinical data; at high altitude, the environment seems beneficial for well controlled asthmatics but the intense exercise and the upper airway infections (frequent during trekking) can be an additional risk and should be avoided. Furthermore, in remote areas health facilities are often difficult to reach.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
