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Spirometry and Respiratory Muscle Function During Ascent to Higher Altitudes

  • RESPIRATORY PHYSIOLOGY
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Abstract

Alteration in lung function at high altitude influences exercise capacity, worsens hypoxia, and may predispose to high-altitude illness. The effect of high altitude on lung function and mechanisms responsible for these alterations remain unclear. Seven adult male mountaineers were followed prospectively during a climbing expedition to Mount Everest, Nepal. Measurements of spirometry and respiratory muscle function were performed for the duration of the expedition, during changes in altitude between 3450 and 7200 meters (m). Measurements included the forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) in 12 seconds, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and respiratory muscle endurance (Tlim). At an altitude of 3450 m, the FVC initially increased (9%) over 24 h, followed by a significant decline; the FEV1, MVV, MIP, and MEP showed similar progressive decline. At 5350 m, FVC increased by 21% over the first 48 h, then decreased. The FVC, FEV1, MVV, MIP, and MEP initially increased and then gradually diminished over time. Respiratory muscle endurance (Tlim) decreased over the first three days at 3450 m but then remained unchanged. MVV decreased at lower altitude followed by a slight increase and then a significant decline. Compared with baseline, we observed a fluctuating course for spirometric measurements, respiratory muscle strength, and endurance at high altitude. Initial transient increases in parameters occurred on ascent to each new altitude followed by a gradual decline during prolonged stay.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sections of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

    Sat Sharma

  2. Section of Emergency Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

    Bryce Brown

  3. Sections of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Manitoba, St. Boniface General Hospital, BG034, 409 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2H 2A6, Canada

    Sat Sharma

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  1. Sat Sharma
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Correspondence to Sat Sharma.

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Sharma, S., Brown, B. Spirometry and Respiratory Muscle Function During Ascent to Higher Altitudes. Lung 185, 113–121 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-006-0108-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-006-0108-y

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