Intermittent hypoxia in treatment of bronchial asthma in childhood

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, bronchial asthma (BA) is a serious public health problem with over 300 million sufferers of all ages. In this chapter, we demonstrate the possibility to treat BA in childhood with intermittent hypoxia treatment/training (IHT) programs and provide clinical evidence, adverse effects, and latest experience in IHT implementation. Particularly, it was shown that 2-week IHT resulted in a significant decline in breath shortness and feelings of chest congestion in BA children (aged 9-13 years). The cough was diminished or disappeared, and the amount of sputum was reduced and passed more easily. The attacks of asphyxia disappeared or became more occasional. Considerable augmentation of ventilatory response to hypoxic stimuli was observed as well as a diminution of heart rate (HR) reactions to increased hypoxia and an attenuated fall of SaO 2 under hypoxic conditions. Mitochondrial enzymes activity of immune cells such as succinate dehydrogenase (SDG) and alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (GPDG) increased significantly under IHT. Strong correlation between individual hypoxic sensitivity and enzymes activities was found. In conclusion, IHT represents a promising approach in prevention and treatment of bronchial asthma in childhood. The proper choice of the hypoxic dosage depending on individual's reactivity must be titrated for each patient in order to avoid negative effects of hypoxia and to augment the favorable ones.