Role of the Nasal Airway in Regulation of Airway Resistance During Hypercapnia and Exercise Second-Place Resident Award at 1982 Research Forum

Abstract

Posterior mask rhinomanometry was used to measure nasal resistance during exercise and hypercapnia in 10 healthy adult volunteers. Exercise was produced by peddling a stationary bicycle at three loads. Hypercapnia was produced by breathing O₂ mixtures containing 5%, 6%, and 8% CO₂. The results showed that (1) nasal resistance decreases linearly as expired CO₂ levels and exercise levels increase, (2) minute ventilation increases linearly as expired CO₂ levels and exercise levels increase, and (3) nasal resistance varies inversely with minute ventilation during both hypercapnia and exercise. The constant relationship between nasal resistance and minute ventilation during hypercapnia and exercise suggests that nasal resistance is regulated by the respiratory center to match the level of respiratory demand.