Respiratory care
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The gas mask is used to protect military and non-military personnel exposed to respiratory hazards (chemical, biologic, radiologic, and nuclear agents). The objective was to evaluate the impact of the gas mask on indexes of respiratory effort and breathing patterns in a human model because no data exist. ⋯ This study demonstrated a substantial increase in the indicies of respiratory effort both at rest and during exercise with a gas mask. Our measurements and findings may be referred in future research and development studies in this field. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT02782936.).
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Noninvasive Ventilation as an Important Adjunct to an Exercise Training Program in Subjects With Moderate to Severe COPD.
The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether noninvasive ventilation (NIV) can positively affect exercise capacity, maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2 ), and symptoms after a 6-week physical training program for subjects with moderate to very severe COPD. ⋯ A 6-week physical training program alone can improve tolerance for exercise and quality of life, in addition to reducing the risk of mortality. However, NIV associated with a physical training program was shown to have an additive beneficial effect on powerful prognostic markers (maximum V̇O2 and circulatory power) and to reduce symptoms and improve oxygen saturation in subjects with moderate to very severe COPD.
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Airway remodeling is a characteristic structural change that occurs extensively in the airways of patients with asthma. The change can be evaluated by measuring airway dimensions by using high-resolution computed tomography. This study aimed to explore the variation trends of airway dimensions from the second- to sixth-generation bronchi in subjects with asthma. ⋯ Airway remodeling in asthma was more prominent in distal airways and at lower lobe bronchi.
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Comparative Study
Adventitious and Normal Lung Sounds in the General Population: Comparison of Standardized and Spontaneous Breathing.
For clinical practice and research, it would be easier to auscultate lung sounds without simultaneously measuring air flow. This study evaluated whether the presence of adventitious lung sounds and the characteristics of normal lung sounds differ between spontaneous and standardized breathing in a general population. ⋯ The mode of breathing had an impact on both adventitious and normal lung sounds. Although adventitious sounds were found with similar frequency between the modes of breathing, less than half of these subjects were identified with both methods. Spontaneous breathing was not inferior to standardized breathing in reflecting lung disease.
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Oxygen therapy for patients with COPD and severe hypoxemia requires the use of oxygen delivery devices that allow mobility as needed. However, the characteristics of some devices may limit the freedom of individuals to be as physically active as they desire. Limited mobility may negatively affect the perceived quality of life of individuals with COPD. The aim of this study was to understand perceived limitations that patients with COPD experience in using long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) devices. ⋯ Oxygen-dependent individuals with COPD may be at risk of adverse outcomes associated with decreased mobility encouraged by unsatisfactory physical and technical characteristics of portable oxygen cylinders and concentrators.