Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2026

A Novel Inhalation Mask System to Deliver High Concentrations of Nitric Oxide Gas in Spontaneously Breathing Subjects
Published on: May 4, 2021
[The effect of inhaled nitric oxide and helium-oxygen mixture on the pulmonary function of asthmatics]
Objective:
To investigate the effect of inhaled nitric oxide (NO) combined with helium-oxygen mixture on the pulmonary function of asthmatics.
Methods:
18 asthmatic patients were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups randomly. One group of patients inhaled 100 ppm NO combined with helium-oxygen mixture, the other group inhaled 40 ppm NO-containing helium-oxygen mixture. Pulmonary function was examined intermittently during the study process and compared with that of the patients treated with salbutamol.
Results:
It is shown that inhalation of helium-oxygen mixture improved the forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume during the first 1.0 second (FEV(1)), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and maximal midexpiratory flow rate (MMEF) significantly as compared with inhalation of air. Although salbutamol inhalation improved FEV(1) and MMEF, the effect was weaker than helium-oxygen mixture inhalation. However the effect of helium-oxygen mixture lasted only one minute. Inhalation of 100 ppm NO with helium-oxygen mixture only slightly improved FEV(1) and PEFR as compared with inhalation of helium-oxygen mixture. 40 ppm NO with helium-oxygen mixture did not influence the pulmonary function in the asthmatic patient as compared with helium-oxygen mixture alone.
Conclusion:
It is suggested that inhalation of helium-oxygen mixture can improve the pulmonary function of asthmatic patients significantly. However, inhalation of NO exerts a weak bronchodilatory effect.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue, improving...
Physiological Control of Respiration
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
Inhaled Medications
