Exhaled nitric oxide is decreased by exposure to the hyperbaric oxygen therapy environment

Abstract

Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) detects airway inflammation. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)is used for tissue hypoxia, but can cause lung damage. We measured eNO following inhalation of oxygen at different tensions and pressures. Methods. Part 1, eNO was measured before and after HBOT. Part 2, normal subjects breathed 40% oxygen. Results. Baseline eNO levels in patients prior to HBOT exposure were significantly higher than in normal subjects (P < .05). After HBOT, eNO significantly decreased in patients (15.4 ± 2.0 versus 4.4 ± 0.5 ppb, P