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Respiratory function at different altitudes

A Cogo1, D Legnani, L Allegra

  • 1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Italy.

Respiration; International Review of Thoracic Diseases
|January 1, 1997
PubMed
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High altitude significantly impacts respiratory function, decreasing forced vital capacity (FVC) and improving peak expiratory flow. These transient changes reflect acclimatization and resolve upon return to sea level.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Physiology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Altitude Medicine

Background:

  • High altitude exposure presents physiological challenges due to reduced barometric pressure and air density.
  • Previous studies indicate reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) at high altitudes, linked to increased pulmonary blood volume and interstitial edema.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess daily spirometric patterns in healthy subjects ascending to extreme altitudes.
  • To investigate the impact of altitude and acclimatization on respiratory function tests.

Main Methods:

  • 17 healthy subjects underwent daily respiratory function tests at 4,559 m and 5,050 m.
  • Measurements included peak expiratory flow, forced vital capacity (FVC), and maximal expiratory flow at 25% (MEF25).

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Main Results:

  • Peak expiratory flow significantly increased with altitude (up to 26% at 4,559 m).
  • Forced vital capacity (FVC) and MEF25 significantly decreased initially above 3,500 m, improving with prolonged exposure.
  • Individual responses varied, with maximal reductions occurring on different days.

Conclusions:

  • High altitude respiratory changes are influenced by pulmonary blood volume and interstitial edema.
  • Observed spirometric alterations reflect acclimatization, individual susceptibility, altitude, and exposure duration.
  • These respiratory function changes are transient and reversible upon descent to sea level.