The Effect of Cold Air Inhalation on Respiratory Gas Exchange During Exercise in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

This study was done to determine whether gas exchange is affected, both at rest and with exercise, by airflow resistance alterations previously observed during cold air breathing in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease with a history of sensitivity to cold air. Nine patients with cold air sensitivity were studied at rest and daring treadmill exercise breathing room temperature and ?12°C air. Seven of the nine patients had more distress during cold air breathing, but there were no significant differences in heart rates, O2 consumption and arterial blood Po2 and Pco2 between room temperature and ?12°C air breathing, either at rest or during exercise. These results give support to the concept that the most marked change in air flow resistance during cold air breathing occurs in poorly ventilated lung areas.