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

¹ Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
² Associate Professor of Medicine and Physiology
³ Professor of Medicine and Director, Pulmonary Disease Division

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 during 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.