Detection of Exhaled CO as a Simple Non-invasive Tool for Monitoring Acute Exacerbations of Asthma in the Elderly

• Published in: Nihon Rōnen Igakkai zasshi Vol. 38; no. 4; pp. 484 - 486
• Main Authors: Okinaga, Shoji, Sasaki, Hidetada, Yamaya, Mutsuo, Yamada, Norihiro, Yanai, Masaru, Ohrui, Takashi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japan The Japan Geriatrics Society 2001
• Subjects: Aged; Airway inflammation; Asthma - diagnosis; Breath Tests - methods; Bronchial asthma; Carbon monoxide; Carbon Monoxide - analysis; Humans; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; Respiratory Function Tests
• ISSN: 0300-9173
• DOI: 10.3143/geriatrics.38.484

Exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations were measured on a CO monitor by vital capacity maneuvers in asthmatic patients either receiving or not receiving inhaled corticosteroids, and in nonsmoking healthy control subjects. CO was detectable and measured reproducibly in the exhaled air of all subjects. The exhaled CO concentrations were higher in asthmatic patients not receiving inhaled corticosteroids and similar in asthmatic patients receiving inhaled corticosteroids and nonsmoking healthy control subjects (Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1997; 156: 1140-1143). All patients with inhaled corticosteroid treatment had reductions in exhaled CO concentration and eosinophil cell counts in sputum that were accompanied by an amelioration of airway obstruction. These results showed that detection of exhaled CO could be a simple noninvasive tool for monitoring airway inflammation and acute exacerbation of asthma.