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Cold facial stimulation reduces breathlessness induced in normal subjects
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|July 1, 1987
Summary
Applying cold air to the face significantly reduces breathlessness in patients with breathing difficulties. This simple intervention offers relief without altering ventilation, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach for dyspnea.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Physiology
- Sensory Perception
Background:
- Patients often report relief from breathlessness when exposed to airflow or cold stimuli.
- Previous research indicates that facial and pharyngeal cold stimulation can modulate ventilation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if cold air directed at the cheek can reduce the sensation of breathlessness during loaded breathing.
- To determine if this effect is linked to changes in ventilation or the diving reflex.
Main Methods:
- Sixteen subjects were exposed to an inspiratory resistive load and maintained hypercapnia (elevated PCO2).
- Breathlessness was rated using the modified Borg scale under two conditions: cold air (4-10°C) on the cheek versus no airflow.
- Control experiments directed cold air to the leg.
Main Results:
- Cold air on the cheek significantly reduced breathlessness ratings (6.2 vs. 5.1 on Borg scale, p<0.002).
- This reduction occurred without a significant decrease in ventilation.
- No effect was observed when cold air was applied to the leg, and the diving reflex was not initiated.
Conclusions:
- Cold air directed at the cheek effectively alleviates dyspnea caused by combined hypercapnia and inspiratory resistive loading.
- The mechanism appears to be independent of changes in ventilation or the diving reflex.
- This suggests a non-invasive method for managing breathlessness.