The effect of hypertonicity on nasal mucociliary clearance.
The effect of the tonicity of saline nasal douching solutions on mucociliary clearance was studied in order to ascertain whether hypertonicity conferred any advantage. Thirty-eight normal subjects were included in a randomised double-blind crossover trial. Saline douching solutions of 0.9%, 3% and 5% tonicity were used and mucociliary clearance was measured by the saccharin clearance time (SCT). The resultant SCT after administration of 5% saline was significantly reduced compared to both 0.9% (P = 0.005) and 3% saline (P = 0.04). There was no difference between 0.9% and 3% saline administration. Thus hypertonic saline solutions improve mucociliary clearance, although this was only observed with solutions of 5% tonicity. The effect is probably brought about by changes in mucus rheology.
Homer
J J
JJ
Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, UK.
Dowley
A C
AC
Condon
L
L
El-Jassar
P
P
Sood
S
S
D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009079:Mucociliary Clearance / Q000187:drug effects*; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects*; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012212:Rheology; D012439:Saccharin / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013549:Sweetening Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use
D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic; D013549:Sweetening Agents; D012439:Saccharin