The effects of salbutamol on pulmonary function in cyclists exposed to ozone: a pilot study

In order to determine the effects of an inhaled bronchodilator on the acute effects of ozone exposure on competitive cyclists, three subjects exercised on a stationary cycle ergometer for one hour in 0.34 +/- 0.02 ppm ozone, 29.8 +/- 0.3 degrees C. and 36.5 +/- 0.5% relative humidity under three experimental conditions. The initial test involved no pre-medication and served as a control. Using a double blind protocol the subjects were either given a placebo or salbutamol (200 micrograms via aerosol) prior to the second and third exposures. Pre- and post-exercise pulmonary function tests demonstrated a reduction in forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), however, the magnitude of this reduction was not changed by the administration of salbutamol. These data suggest that pre-treatment with salbutamol is ineffective in reducing or eliminating pulmonary discomfort or respiratory dysfunction.