Abstract
Background
Impairment of sinus ostial function is considered an important factor in the pathophysiology of sinus disease. The use of the decongestants such as α2-agonists is thought to improve sinus ostial function. Previous studies have shown an effect of α2-agonists on maxillary sinus ostial function only when administered in nasal bellows, but not as a nasal spray or nasal drops. The effect of decongestants on ventilation of the frontal and posterior ethmoidal and sphenoidal sinuses has not been studied to date.
Methods
In this study, the 133-xenon washout method was used to determine ventilation for all paranasal sinuses before and after administration of oxymetazoline as nasal drops in eight subjects and from nasal bellows in nine healthy subjects.
Results
No significant effect of oxymetazoline on sinus ventilation was seen in either group.
Conclusions
The results indicate that α2-agonists do not have any effect on sinus ventilation in healthy subjects. However, one cannot exclude that decongestants improve sinus ventilation in patients suffering from sinus disease and this requires further studies.
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