Effect of tonsillectomy on the level of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) in patients with recurrent tonsillitis.
BACKGROUND
Increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in inflamed tonsils has been reported. Our preliminary observation was the first to demonstrate that increased exhaled NO level may occur in patients with tonsillitis.


OBJECTIVE
To extend the observation scope, the same group of patients was examined for NO exhaled after tonsillectomy.


METHODS
Exhaled oral NO level was measured with Niox Mino(®) analyzer, six-seven months after tonsillectomy in 27 non-atopic patients who suffered from recurrent tonsillitis and in 35 healthy non-atopic subjects.


RESULTS
After tonsillectomy, exhaled NO levels were significantly reduced as compared to the preoperative period values and did not differ significantly from those of the healthy subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
The results support a finding of the elevated exhaled NO consequent to NO production in chronically inflamed tonsils, but whether NO plays any role in the pathogenesis of tonsillitis or is merely a by-product of another process, needs to be determined.
Kasperska-Zajac
A
A
Chair and Clinical Department of Internal Diseases, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland. kasperska@plusnet.pl
Czecior
E
E
Namyslowski
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001944:Breath Tests; D045853:Exhalation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D012008:Recurrence; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000601:surgery; D055815:Young Adult
D009569:Nitric Oxide