Humming greatly increases nasal nitric oxide.
The paranasal sinuses are major producers of nitric oxide (NO). We hypothesized that oscillating airflow produced by humming would enhance sinus ventilation and thereby increase nasal NO levels. Ten healthy subjects took part in the study. Nasal NO was measured with a chemiluminescence technique during humming and quiet single-breath exhalations at a fixed flow rate. NO increased 15-fold during humming compared with quiet exhalation. In a two-compartment model of the nose and sinus, oscillating airflow caused a dramatic increase in gas exchange between the cavities. Obstruction of the sinus ostium is a central event in the pathogenesis of sinusitis. Nasal NO measurements during humming may be a useful noninvasive test of sinus NO production and ostial patency. In addition, any therapeutic effects of the improved sinus ventilation caused by humming should be investigated.
Weitzberg
Eddie
E
Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. eddie.weitzberg@ks.se
Lundberg
Jon O N
JO
D000328:Adult; D001944:Breath Tests; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000378:metabolism*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D010256:Paranasal Sinuses / Q000378:metabolism*; D010699:Phonation; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation; D012119:Respiration
D009569:Nitric Oxide