Testing Low Doses of Caffeine on Respiratory Resistance Using the Airflow Perturbation Device

Abstract

Research reports on pulmonary function measurements often mention caffeine abstinence as a condition for testing subjects. Yet, the effects of caffeine on respiration are not well documented. This study was intended to investigate the physiological effects of caffeine on respiratory resistance measurements and the necessity of caffeine avoidance in such testing. Thirty-one subjects were administered caffeine in pill form for dosages in the range of 3 -4.5 mg/kg body weight. Respiratory resistance was measured with the Airflow Perturbation Device every 15 minutes after caffeine ingestion until a full hour of elapsed time. No changes were noted in inhalation, exhalation, and average respiratory resistances during the times of measurements. The conclusion is that for low dosages of caffeine, respiratory resistance measurements are not affected by caffeine ingestion prior to testing.

Assessment of Bronchodilator Response in Children with Asthma Exacerbation Using the Respiratory Resistance Values

“…It was used in exercising subjects [41], and on subjects with paradoxical vocal fold motion [42] [43] [44] [45] [46]. The APD has also been used in a variety of other research projects, such as: Influence of nasal congestion on respiratory resistance [47]; testing low doses of caffeine on respiratory resistance [48]; comparison with esophageal balloon [49]; diurnal effects of respiratory resistance [50]; identification of patients with reactive airways [51]; optimization of airway caliber [52]; results using nasal strips [53]; and induced anxiety [54].…”