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Spirometric changes in fire-eating subjects in Mexico City
Alba Cabrera1, Mario H Vargas, Luis Gerardo Ochoa
1Departamento de Neumología, Hospital General Dr. Gaudencio González Garza, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico.
Archives of Medical Research
|September 6, 2003
Summary
Fire-eating may cause mild lung airflow limitation, worsening after daily practice. Some performers showed improved lung function after bronchodilator use, suggesting potential airway reactivity.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Occupational Health
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Fire-eating is a performance art primarily practiced by impoverished urban populations for income.
- Limited research exists on the respiratory health impacts of fire-eating.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of fire-eating on lung function.
- To assess baseline respiratory abnormalities and the impact of daily activity and bronchodilator response in fire-eaters.
Main Methods:
- Spirometry was performed on 30 fire-eaters in Mexico City before and after their performance.
- Lung function tests were repeated after salbutamol inhalation in 16 participants.
- Correlations between spirometric data, years of practice, and body mass index were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Baseline spirometry revealed obstructive or mixed patterns in two-thirds of participants, unrelated to smoking or drug use.
- Longer duration of fire-eating activity correlated with reduced mid-expiratory flow rates (FEF50, FEF75).
- A significant decrease in FEF75 was observed post-performance, with partial improvement after salbutamol administration in 63% of subjects.
Conclusions:
- Fire-eaters exhibit mild airflow limitation, exacerbated by daily performance.
- The extent of airflow limitation is partially associated with the duration of fire-eating.
- A significant portion of fire-eaters demonstrate bronchodilator responsiveness, indicating potential airway hyperresponsiveness.