In:
Respiration, S. Karger AG, Vol. 79, No. 3 ( 2010), p. 216-221
Abstract:
〈 i 〉 Background: 〈 /i 〉 Inhalation of thermal water (TW) is traditionally used as part of the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but its benefit and mechanisms are controversial. We previously observed a reduced proportion of neutrophils in induced sputum after treatment with TW. 〈 i 〉 Objectives: 〈 /i 〉 The aim of this study was to determine whether inhalation of TW in COPD patients is associated with biochemical changes of airway lining fluid, including a reduction in the neutrophil chemoattractant leukotriene B 〈 sub 〉 4 〈 /sub 〉 (LTB 〈 sub 〉 4 〈 /sub 〉 ). 〈 i 〉 Methods: 〈 /i 〉 Thirteen COPD patients were randomly assigned to receive a 2-week course of TW and normal saline inhalation in a cross-over, single-blind study design. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) was collected before and after treatments. LTB 〈 sub 〉 4 〈 /sub 〉 concentrations in EBC were determined by ELISA, and EBC pH was measured before and after argon deaeration. 〈 i 〉 Results: 〈 /i 〉 No significant differences in LTB 〈 sub 〉 4 〈 /sub 〉 concentrations in EBC were detected with either treatment. A significant decrease in pH of non-deaerated EBC was observed after a standard course of TW (median 7.45, interquartile range 6.93–7.66, vs. median 6.99, interquartile range 6.57–7.19; p = 0.05), which disappeared after argon deaeration. 〈 i 〉 Conclusions: 〈 /i 〉 There is no evidence that TW treatment affects LTB 〈 sub 〉 4 〈 /sub 〉 concentration in EBC. The results of EBC pH measurements suggest that TW inhalation induces an imbalance of volatile components of the buffer system in airway lining fluid.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0025-7931
,
1423-0356
Language:
English
Publisher:
S. Karger AG
Publication Date:
2010
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1464419-8
