99HRT Dehydration and Asthma
Abstract
At least part of the reason for airway narrowing with exercise is due to the exercise-related loss of fluid from the airways. We performed a series of studies to determine if whole body dehydration would affect this response in people known to have asthma. In the first study we tested subjects lung function before and after exercise while fully hydrated and while dehydrated. In those known to have asthma dehydration reduced lung function at rest, but did not worsen the exercise response. In the second study we tested whether breathing water vapor saturated air before exercise would alter this dehydration effect. Pre-breathing water-vapor saturated air had no effect on the response. This work suggests that persons with asthma should pay particular attention to their hydration status for optimal performance. This is particularly with for those for whom dehydration may interact with exercise to cause significantly greater bronchoconstriction than when fully hydrated. Further, the effects of dehydration on asthma can not be ameliorated by pre-breathing warm, humidified air.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA417071
Entities
People
- Frank Cerny
- Paula Maxwell
Organizations
- University at Buffalo