Respiratory function of recruits to the royal air force in health and during acute respiratory diseases

Abstract

The respiratory function of 618 recruits to the Royal Air Force was measured at the beginning and end of their training. During training 227 recruits developed an acute respiratory illness requiring admission to the station sick quarters. At the end of training a small fall in the mean indirect maximum breathing capacity (IMBC) and vital capacity (VC) of all recruits was observed. The fall was of a similar magnitude in both men admitted to sick quarters with respiratory illness and those not admitted. Respiratory function tests repeated on 110 recruits during admission with acute respiratory illnesses showed a substantial temporary drop in the mean IMBC and VC. The most severe impairment occurred in men with evidence of pneumonia; influenza virus A infection was associated with slightly greater impairment than adenovirus infection, although the difference was not significant. It is concluded that acute respiratory virus infections may produce temporary impairment of lung function in previously healthy persons, although recovery is normally rapid and complete.