[Magnesium in lung diseases].

Magnesium participates in a number of biochemical reactions that seem to be important when lung function is disturbed. A low intake of magnesium in the diet increases bronchial reactivity. Magnesium supplementation reduces bronchial constriction and pressure in pulmonary hypertension, and increases the force of the respiratory muscles. In experimental animals, magnesium supplementation prevents lung changes precipitated by acoustic trauma. These changes are similar to the adult respiratory distress syndrome in humans. Theofylline, an important drug in the treatment of severe bronchial asthma, increases urinary loss of magnesium. A number of the patients in the intensive care unit have magnesium deficiency. Therefore it appears that some of the lung patients would benefit from treatment with magnesium.