BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that both salmeterol and formoterol act as partial beta 2 receptor agonists in terms of antagonising the extrapulmonary responses to fenoterol in normal subjects. The aim of the present study was to extend previous observations in evaluating the effect of prior treatment with salmeterol and formoterol on bronchodilator responses to fenoterol, a full beta 2...

Studied the influence of actual and false peak flow (PEF) information on dyspnea (breathlessness) in two experiments, each with 30 children with and 30 without asthma (7-17 years). Dyspnea, PEF, and lung function were measured before and after standardized physical exercise. Dyspnea was measured with a visual analog scale. PEF was measured with a peak flow meter and used for manipulation of dys...

BACKGROUND According to current knowledge, asthma is basically an inflammatory process. Its causes and physiopathological mechanisms are various. The final result is a recurrent obstructive bronchial process, with sibilants and/or dypnea, which causes an upset in functional respiratory tests, among which the maximum respiratory peak flow meter diminished for the age, sex, and height of patient....

Methods We used SMS to collect symptoms and peak flow (PEF) meter readings from children with asthma. Digital PEF meters enabled data download to confirm validity of PEF data sent by SMS. Parents responded to 5 SMS messages daily for 7 days during baseline and for 14 days during a cold. Parents provided written feedback about the SMS-based data collection at the beginning (Q1) and at the end (Q...

Restriction of expansion of the lungs or chest wall impedes inflation of the lungs during inhalation. Functional changes occurring during such restriction include reduced pulmonary and/or chest wall compliance, decreases in pulmonary function, and ultimately a decrease in exercise performance. Such restriction can be seen in several pathologic conditions such as scoliosis or obesity, as well as...

Various investigators have addressed the minimum lung function required to activate breathalyzers, and the impact of comorbid respiratory illness. We postulated that subjects with significant chest trauma may have difficulty in providing an adequate breathalyzer sample. A prospective self-controlled study of 20 patients who underwent thoracotomy was conducted between August 2005 and December 20...

Regular exercise has proved to be beneficial for the human body and the lungs are no exception. The present study was undertaken to assess the relation between the quality of exercise performed and the quantitative effect of these exercises on the lungs. Pulmonary function tests of sportsmen engaged in various sports were compared with each other and with that of the controls. Players playing f...

Pulmonary function was investigated in 31 consecutive patients with relatively severe Parkinson's disease. Clinical disability was assessed by Hoehn and Yahr scale, Northwestern University Disability Scale and Websterscore. All patients were on levodopa substitution therapy and used anticholinergics. Pulmonary function was investigated by spirography, determination of a maximal inspiratory and ...