Pulmonary Function in Smokers and Nonsmokers at Altitude,
Abstract
Pulmonary function has been measured frequently at sea level (SL) and in a few studies at high altitude (HA), (6-12,13,16,17) for a variety of clinical purposes. Quantitative pulmonary function tests, such as forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expired volumes (FEV), are used to evaluate the status of the respiratory system and can typically determine mechanical impairment of this system due to respiratory insults such as smoking and a variety of other airborne pollutants. Impairment of pulmonary function due to smoking cigarettes is gradual and usually evident only in the latter stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, cigarette smoking has been reported to cause a small but noticeable change or loss of pulmonary function early in the life of a smoker even before the disease state manifests itself (16). Smokers may experience aggravated problems initially caused by the hypoxia of altitude. Tobacco-induced problems such as hyperactive airways, increased mucous production (congested airways) and vascular changes due to nicotine can be aggravated by an increase in carboxyhemoglobin (impaired O2 binding) and a reduction in forced vital capacity (3,5).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA299071
Entities
People
- Charles S. Fulco
- Eugene J. Iwanyk
- Julio A. Gonzalez
- Patricia L. Ogle
- Vincent A. Forte Jr.
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine