Yes, montelukast can increase oxygen levels, particularly during exercise.
Based on the provided reference, research suggests that montelukast improves oxygen pulse compared to salmeterol during physical activity. Specifically:
- Increased Oxygen Pulse: The study found that after montelukast use, participants showed a higher oxygen pulse than after using salmeterol, both at 80% of their maximum oxygen consumption (Vo2max) and during 6 minutes at 60% of Vo2max.
Understanding the Results
To clarify, let's break down the key terms and findings:
- Oxygen Pulse: This is a measure of the amount of oxygen the heart pumps per heartbeat. A higher oxygen pulse generally indicates improved oxygen delivery to the tissues.
- Vo2max: This refers to the maximum rate of oxygen consumption during exercise, indicating aerobic capacity.
How Montelukast Affects Oxygen Levels
The study indicated that montelukast had a positive effect on oxygen levels during exercise, showing the following results:
| Parameter | Result |
|---|---|
| Oxygen pulse at 80% Vo2max | Higher after montelukast than after salmeterol (p = 0.035) |
| Oxygen pulse for 6 min at 60% Vo2max | Higher after montelukast than after salmeterol (p = 0.011) |
Practical Implications
- Exercise Improvement: The increased oxygen pulse might translate to improved physical performance and tolerance to exercise for individuals using montelukast.
- Asthma Management: The increase in oxygen delivery can contribute to better symptom management for conditions like asthma where breathing and oxygenation are often compromised.
- Comparison to Salmeterol: The study directly compared montelukast to salmeterol, a common asthma medication, and highlighted the superiority of montelukast in enhancing oxygen pulse during physical activity.
Conclusion
In summary, the study demonstrates that montelukast can positively affect oxygen levels, particularly during exercise, by increasing the oxygen pulse compared to salmeterol. This suggests potential benefits for individuals needing better oxygen delivery during physical activity or those with breathing difficulties.
