Nasal Cycle and Postural Variations in Nasal Resistance

Abstract

The relationship between the nasal cycle and postural variations in unilateral nasal resistance (UNR) was observed in ten normal subjects. During the nasal cycle, postural variations in UNR were notable in congested nasal chambers; UNR at 0° from a horizontal plane was found to be higher than at greater angles. Postural variations in UNR in constricted sides of nasal chambers, however, were very slight. This phenomenon was observed in all ten cases. For total nasal resistance, postural variations were small. (Total nasal resistance was strongly influenced by UNR in constricted sides.) The nasal cycle may be induced by alternative changes in the sympathetic tone to the nasal mucosa, probably regulated by the hypothalamus.

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