The Effect of Submersion in Water at Various Temperatures On Respiration

Abstract

The data herein presented include only a part of an investigation of the disturbances in respiration due to submersion in water of various temperatures.

Wasserman, 1 Bazett, 2 and Hill and Flack 3 made observations on the effect of bath temperature changes on respiration, but we have failed to find a complete picture, beginning with cold and ending with hot water. However, the results reported by these investigators parallel our findings.

In securing the data, use was made of the constant temperature baths provided by the Psychopathic Hospital. Each subject was placed in the tub in a prone position during which time a record of normal respiration was taken. Following this the tub was filled, temperature changes made and data recorded as indicated by Fig. 1. Time is recorded in 5 sec. intervals.

The data presented in Fig. 1 show that there are 3 distinct changes in the respiratory movements when a subject is placed in a water bath varying from 65°F to 116°F. During the filling of the tub the movements are irregular, becoming slightly faster and much deeper while the bath remains at 65°F. As the temperature is increased, the respiratory movements tend to become more quiet and much shallower. At 80°F the movements are practically normal as to rate but are very shallow. The shallow characteristic begins to disappear at 110°F. When 115°F is reached, the respiratory movements again become deep and irregular, assuming a form somewhat similar to those recorded in the cold bath.

In most cases, very little discomfort was experienced in the cold bath. However, when the temperature reached 105°F, the subjects perspired profusely. As the temperature was increased still more, symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and extreme irritability were observed.