What Researchers Did
Researchers compared the lung function of 18 trained divers in a 1.5 ATA hyperbaric chamber after inhaling 100% oxygen versus regular air in a crossover study design.
What They Found
Inhaling regular air significantly affected FEV₁/FVC, PEF, FEF25, FEF50, and FEF75 (p < 0.05) in the 18 divers. Inhaling 100% oxygen also significantly affected these parameters, plus FEV₁ (p < 0.05), with no significant differences in lung capacity (VC and FVC) in either group. Lung function returned to normal after a one-day washout period.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian divers or individuals undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy, this study suggests that short-term exposure to 100% oxygen or regular air in a hyperbaric chamber can transiently alter dynamic lung function. However, these changes appear to be temporary, with lung function returning to normal within a day, which may reassure those concerned about lasting effects.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was conducted by researchers outside of Canada and did not involve Canadian participants or healthcare settings.
Study Limitations
A limitation of this study is its small sample size of 18 trained divers, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to broader populations.