title: Effects of inhalation of thermal water on exhaled breath condensate in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Inhalation of thermal water (TW) is traditionally used as part of the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but its benefit and mechanisms are controversial. We previously observed a reduced proportion of neutrophils in induced sputum after treatment with TW.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine whether inhalation of TW in COPD patients is associated with biochemical changes of airway lining fluid, including a reduction in the neutrophil chemoattractant leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)).
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen COPD patients were randomly assigned to receive a 2-week course of TW and normal saline inhalation in a cross-over, single-blind study design. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) was collected before and after treatments. LTB(4) concentrations in EBC were determined by ELISA, and EBC pH was measured before and after argon deaeration.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant differences in LTB(4) concentrations in EBC were detected with either treatment. A significant decrease in pH of non-deaerated EBC was observed after a standard course of TW (median 7.45, interquartile range 6.93-7.66, vs. median 6.99, interquartile range 6.57-7.19; p = 0.05), which disappeared after argon deaeration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is no evidence that TW treatment affects LTB(4) concentration in EBC. The results of EBC pH measurements suggest that TW inhalation induces an imbalance of volatile components of the buffer system in airway lining fluid.
authors: Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
authors: Gabriella
authors: G
authors: Guarnieri
authors: Silvia
authors: S
authors: Ferrazzoni
authors: Maria Cristina
authors: MC
authors: Scarpa
authors: Alberto
authors: A
authors: Lalli
authors: Piero
authors: P
authors: Maestrelli
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000187:drug effects*; D001944:Breath Tests; D001965:Bromides / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007455:Iodine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007975:Leukotriene B4 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D014867:Water / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D001965:Bromides; D014867:Water; D007975:Leukotriene B4; D007455:Iodine