Postural Variations of Nasal Patency

Abstract

Comparative quantitative measurements of the nasal airway resistance (Rn) in different positions were performed in normal individuals, in patients with allergic rhinitis, and in patients with common colds during and after infection. In normal persons and in patients recovered from common colds Rn increased only very little in positions of 20° or less above the horizontal plane. In rhinitic patients the same positions were followed by a considerable increase of Rn caused by swelling of the. nasal mucosa due to hydrostatic blood pressure increase. This was proved by the effect of neck vein compression causing about the same increase of Rn as the horizontal position. The mucosal reactions to high transmural pressures support the theory of vascular hypotonicity in the rhinitic nose. In view of the biological and clinical consequences of the postural effects on the nasal mucosa, common colds should not be “cured” with bed rest; at night, rhinitic patients should take up a body position of more than 204dG above the horizontal level. This investigation was supported by grants from Alfred Osterlund's Foundation and the Medical Faculty, University of Lund, Sweden.