Effects of Cold Air on Respiratory Airflow Resistance in Patients with Respiratory-Tract Disease

Abstract

NORMAL man is able to function in an extremely cold environment without experiencing symptoms of respiratory difficulty or suffering injury to his airways.¹ This protective ability may be due to the fact that the normal respiratory tract is highly effective in its ability to heat and humidify inspired air under extreme climatic conditions.² Studies have shown that air delivered at the lips at -100°C. is heated to within 1 or 2° of body temperature by the time it reaches the tracheal bifurcation.³ On the other hand, patients with chronic respiratory disease, such as emphysema, bronchial asthma or chronic bronchitis, may . . .