Nasobronchial relationship after cold air provocation.
Provocation with cold air in the nose causes broncho-obstruction while warm air causes bronchodilation in patients with asthma, but not in healthy subjects. These findings have suggested the existence of a nasobronchial reflex. The present study aimed to block this effect and evaluate the mechanisms underlying the effect on lung function after cold stimulation of the nose. Lung function, as measured with specific conductance and forced expiratory flow, was reduced after cold stimulation of the nose, but this effect could not be blocked by anesthetizing the nose or by inhaling an anti-cholinergic drug before the provocation. These results confirm the presence of a nasobronchial relationship, but not of a nasobronchial reflex.
Johansson
A
A
Department of Lung Medicine and Allergology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Bende
M
M
Millqvist
E
E
Bake
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001249:Asthma / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016084:Bronchoconstriction / Q000502:physiology*; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009299:Nasal Provocation Tests / Q000379:methods*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology; D012018:Reflex; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests
D009569:Nitric Oxide