Nasal mucosal temperature in relation to nasal airflow as measured by rhinomanometry.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to measure in vivo nasal mucosal temperature and assess its relationship to nasal patency.


METHODS
Nasal mucosal temperature of 30 nasal cavities was measured by means of a miniaturized thermocouple within the anterior turbinate area during respiration. Temperature values were compared with corresponding rhinomanometrical data.


RESULTS
The median mucosal temperature ranged from 30.2 degrees C (range, 28.9-31.7 degrees C) after inspiration to 32.2 degrees C (range, 31.0-33.9 degrees C) after expiration. The end-inspiratory (r = -0.85) and end-expiratory mucosal temperature values (r = -0.88) negatively correlated with the rhinomanometrical data.


CONCLUSIONS
This study supports the fact that there is a negative correlation between nasal mucosal temperature and nasal resistance. Changes in nasal patency seem to influence nasal mucosal temperature. Within this context, nasal thermoreceptors might play an important role concerning the perception of nasal patency.
Lindemann
Joerg
J
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Ulm, Frauensteige 12, D-89075 Ulm, Germany. joerg.lindemann@uniklinik-ulm.de
Keck
Tilman
T
Scheithauer
Marc Oliver
MO
Leiacker
Richard
R
Wiesmiller
Kerstin
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D001239:Inhalation / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000502:physiology*; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000502:physiology*; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values; D025363:Rhinomanometry / Q000379:methods*