952337e7-4322-4382-bc07-fca6695eb0ec eng Ev-K2-CNR +39 035 3230511 +39 035 3230551 Via San Bernardino 145 Bergamo BG 24126 Italy metadata@evk2cnr.org http://www.evk2cnr.org/ 2013-05-08T15:21:55 ISO 19115:2003/19139 1.0 Respiratory function at different altitudes 1997-01-01T00:00:00 Respiration. 1997;64(6):416-21 For the evaluation of a respiratory test at high altitude, several factors must be taken into account: the decreased barometric pressure, the decreased density of air and the degree of acclimatization which is related to the altitude and to the length of exposure. Several studies have shown a reduction in forced vital capacity (FVC) at high altitude and using simulated conditions, mainly related to an increase in pulmonary blood volume and development of interstitial edema. To assess the daily spirometric patterns during ascending to high altitudes we studied 17 healthy subjects at both Capanna Regina Margherita on the Italian Alps (4,559 m) and the Pyramid Laboratory in Nepal (5,050 m). Respiratory function tests were performed every day. Peak expiratory flow values significantly increased. The mean percent increase was 15% at 3,200 and 3,600 m and 26% at 4,559 m. FVC and MEF25 values showed a significant decrease (p < 0.005) during the first days above 3,500 m and improved only after several days spent above this altitude. For each subject the maximal reductions in FVC and maximal expiratory flow (MEF) at 25% of FVC however were found on different days. In our opinion, these data support the hypothesis that at high altitude the respiratory function can be affected by the presence of an increased pulmonary blood volume and/or the development of interstitial edema. The observed changes in forced expiration curves at high altitude seem to reflect the degree of acclimatization that is related to the individual susceptibility, to the altitude reached and to the duration of the exposure. These changes are transient and resolve after returning to sea level. Annalisa Cogo Centro Studi Biomedici Applicati allo Sport - Università di Ferrara +39 0532 210420 +39 0532 455888 +39 0532 210297 Via Gramicia 35 Ferrara FE 44100 Italy annalisa.cogo@unife.it Delfino Legnani Department of Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Desease, University of Milan Italy delfino.legnani@unimi.it Luigi Allegra Italy luigi.allegra@unimi.it https://geoportal.mountaingenius.org/geonetwork/srv/eng/resources.get?uuid=952337e7-4322-4382-bc07-fca6695eb0ec&fname=mountain_witness__s.png thumbnail png SHARE altitude GEMET ashtma eng health -180 180 -90 90 WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link