Exercise induced bronchial lability: A comparison between normal men and women

The difference of bronchial lability that is bronchial hyper-reactivity between normal men and women is studied by standard exercise using Harvard steps. Preclinical medical students (M=30, F=30) with mean age of 18.64 years were assessed. Students included were nonsmokers & with no personal history of allergy or any respiratory disease. Parameters compared were age, sex, height, weight & PFTs. Parameters i.e. PFTs were recorded before, during & upto 45 minutes after exercise with computerized spirometer & for PEFR Wright’s Mini Peak flow meter was used. Exercise lability index (ELI), ELI % rise & % fall calculated. Resting FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75% & PEFR in men were significantly higher (p<0.05) but there was no significant difference of FEV1%. ELI-PEF was not significantly different (p>0.05) but there was greater ELI % rise in PEFR values in women during exercise & lesser decline after it.. Women have a greater increase and lesser decrease in flow rates & showed earlier recovery as compared to men. This respiratory response pattern could account for the lower incidence, morbidity & mortality from respiratory allergic diseases seen in women.