TY - JOUR T1 - Effects of high altitude and cold air exposure on airway inflammation in patients with asthma JF - Thorax JO - Thorax SP - 906 LP - 913 DO - 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2013-203280 VL - 68 IS - 10 AU - Sven F Seys AU - Marc Daenen AU - Ellen Dilissen AU - Ruud Van Thienen AU - Dominique M A Bullens AU - Peter Hespel AU - Lieven J Dupont Y1 - 2013/10/01 UR - http://thorax.bmj.com/content/68/10/906.abstract N2 - Aims Eighteen patients with asthma were evaluated during preparation to climb to extreme altitude in order to study the effects of low fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2), prolonged exposure to cold air and high altitude on lung function, asthma control and airway inflammation. Methods Spirometry and airway inflammation (fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and induced sputum) were studied under different test conditions: hypoxic (FiO2=11%) exercise test, 24-hour cold exposure (−5°C) and before, during and after an expedition that involved climbing the Aconcagua mountain (6965 m). Results Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FeNO values were slightly lower (p<0.04) after 1 h of normobaric hypoxia. FEV1 decreased (p=0.009) after 24-hour cold exposure, accompanied by increased sputum neutrophilia (p<0.01). During the expedition FEV1 and forced vital capacity decreased (maximum FEV1 decrease of 12.3% at 4300 m) and asthma symptoms slightly increased. After the expedition the Asthma Control Test score and prebronchodilator FEV1 were reduced (p<0.02), sputum neutrophil count was increased (p=0.04) and sputum myeloperoxidase levels, sputum interleukin 17 mRNA, serum and sputum vascular endothelial growth factor A levels were significantly higher compared with baseline. Patients with asthma with the lowest oxygen saturation during the hypoxic exercise test were more prone to develop acute mountain sickness. Conclusions Exposure to environmental conditions at high altitude (hypoxia, exercise, cold) was associated with a moderate loss of asthma control, increased airway obstruction and neutrophilic airway inflammation. The cold temperature is probably the most important contributing factor as 24-hour cold exposure by itself induced similar effects. ER -