The "nasal cycle" in infants.
In 93 of 100 infants there was a marked difference in the measured end-tidal carbon dioxide (CO2) level between nasal airways during quiet sleep (4.88 Kpa V 3.3 Kpa P less than 0.001). It is suggested that partial nasal obstruction is common in infants. Nasal airway resistance is increased by mucosal swelling, is assymetric, regularly alternates between sides (the nasal cycle), and is under autonomic control. End tidal carbon dioxide values are widely measured as part of an assessment of respiratory control and risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The preferential use of one nasal airway must be taken into account in assessing such results.
Fox
G P
GP
Paediatric department, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin.
Matthews
T G
TG
D000403:Airway Resistance; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012119:Respiration / Q000502:physiology*; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology*
D002245:Carbon Dioxide