The effect of oleoresin capsicum "pepper" spray inhalation on respiratory function.
We performed a randomized, cross-over controlled trial to assess the effect of Oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray inhalation on respiratory function by itself and combined with restraint. Thirty-five subjects were exposed to OC or placebo spray, followed by 10 min of sitting or prone maximal restraint position (PMRP). Spirometry, oximetry, and end-tidal CO2 levels were collected at baseline and throughout the 10 min. Data were compared between groups (ANOVA) and with predefined normal values. In the sitting position, OC did not result in any significant changes in mean percent predicted forced vital capacity (%predFVC), percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%predFEV1), oxygen, or CO2 levels. In PMRP, mean %predFVC and %predFEV1 fell 14.4 and 16.5% for placebo and 16.2 and 19.1% for OC, but were not significantly different by exposure. There was no evidence of hypoxemia or hypercapnia in either groups. OC exposure did not result in abnormal spirometry, hypoxemia, or hypoventilation when compared to placebo in either sitting or PMRP.
Chan
Theodore C
TC
Department of Emergency Medicine, 2 University of California, San Diego 92103, USA. tcchan@ucsd.edu
Vilke
Gary M
GM
Clausen
Jack
J
Clark
Richard F
RF
Schmidt
Paul
P
Snowden
Thomas
T
Neuman
Tom
T
D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016684:Prone Position; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena / Q000187:drug effects*; D012149:Restraint, Physical
D010936:Plant Extracts; C018620:oleoresins