Postural mechanisms in asthma: importance for nocturnal symptoms.
The supine position impairs ventilatory function in patients with ongoing asthma. The response is dual: an immediate decrease on lying down, present in healthy persons as well, and a progressive decrease specific for asthmatics. The changes are counteracted by bronchodilators, but are not linked to a decreased plasma adrenaline level when supine. The progressive decrease is tentatively explained by an increased vagal tone induced by the resting body position, and is likely to be a key factor in nocturnal asthma.
Mossberg
B
B
Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Södersjukhuset (South Hospital), Stockholm, Sweden.
D000403:Airway Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D001249:Asthma / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001980:Bronchi / Q000503:physiopathology; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*