Lung function at high altitude

ABSTRACT

High altitudes are characterized by low barometric pressure and so low PO2. Inhabitants of such areas must adapt to such environment. In this study the effect of chronic exposure to high altitude on lung function through measuring forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1] and peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR] in school children was investigated. A cross-sectional study was performed on 72 male school children in Nyertete village [1160 meters above see level] at Jebel Marrah, western Sudan. The apparently healthy volunteers had completed a questionnaire included personal data and disease history. Anthropometric measurements and pulmonary function tests were performed using the microplus spirometer. The obtained data was compared with the predicted norms of male Sudanese children[1]. Anova test was used for comparing the means. FVC was found to be 2.81 L, FEV1 2.71L and PEFR 403L/min, which were higher than the predicted normal values for these children. It was concluded that high altitude male children showed significant increase in lung function values [FVC, FEV1 and PEFR] compared to low altitude male children predicted normal values