Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Fast and Accurate Exhaled Breath Ammonia Measurement
Published on: June 11, 2014
Age does not affect airway pH and ammonia as determined by exhaled breath measurements
Stuart M Brooks1, Robert R Haight, Robert L Gordon
1Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. sbrooks@hsc.ust.edu
Abstract:
Measurement of airway pH has been used as a diagnostic and monitoring tool in a variety of pulmonary diseases in adults. These diseases occur across a wide age range. Few investigations have addressed the effects of aging on airway pH and ammonia. The aim of this study was to determine whether exhaled breath condensate (EBC) measurements of pH and ammonia differ in older and younger populations of normal subjects. Twenty-three normal younger individuals (median age-24 years) and 25 normal older participants (median age-72 years) were investigated by measuring EBC for pH and ammonia using recommended methodologies. EBC ammonia and pH values were not significantly different between younger and older individuals. Thus, we conclude that EBC ammonia and pH do not appear to be affected by age.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting Respiration
Stages of General Anesthesia
Chemical Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
CO2 has a potent influence on respiration and is strictly regulated. Under...
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Respiratory Regulation of Acid-Base Balance
When carbon dioxide levels increase in the blood, more H+ and HCO3⁻ are produced, leading to a...
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Metabolism

