Role of airway receptors in altitude-induced dyspnea

Department

Physical Therapy

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the role of airway receptors in respiratory-related sensations after ascent to altitude. Methods: Ratings of respiratory-related sensations, perceived exertion and acute mountain sickness, heart rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation were recorded at rest and exercise in male and female subjects who had inhaled either aerosolized saline or saline with tetracaine after acute ascent to an altitude of 3500 m and after prolonged acclimatization of 18 d at altitudes between 4000 and 5000 m. Results: Tetracaine had no effect on respiratory-related sensations at altitude either at rest or during exercise, and male and female subjects experienced similar respiratory-related sensations. Sensations of rapid breathing were experienced at rest after acute exposure to 3500 m as compared with sea level, but not after acclimatization to 5000 m. Sensations of rapid breathing, air hunger, and heavy breathing were experienced during exercise after acute and prolonged altitude exposure as compared with sea level, with a sensation of chest tightness experienced at 3500 m and a sensation of gasping experienced at 5000 m. Conclusion: These results suggest that airway afferents play no role in the respiratory-related sensations experienced by male and female subjects either during acute ascent to altitude or after prolonged acclimatization at altitude.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2001

Publication Title

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise

ISSN

0195-9131

Volume

33

Issue

9

DOI

10.1097/00005768-200109000-00005

First Page

1449

Last Page

1455

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS