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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
11:54
Absorption of Nasal and Bronchial Fluids: Precision Sampling of the Human Respiratory Mucosa and Laboratory Processing of Samples
Published on: January 21, 2018
Pathophysiology of nasal symptoms
1Common Cold Centre, Cardiff University, Wales, UK.
American Journal of Rhinology
|November 9, 2000
Summary
Nasal symptoms arise from nerve stimulation and central nervous system (CNS) changes, influenced by inflammatory mediators. Understanding these pathways is key to managing patient-perceived nasal symptom generation.
Area of Science:
- Rhinology and neuroimmunology.
- Pathophysiology of nasal symptoms.
Background:
- Nasal symptoms are crucial for patients but their generation via sensory nerves and central nervous system (CNS) activity is under-researched.
- Inflammatory mediators are extensively studied, yet their role in symptom perception requires further exploration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the mechanisms by which nasal epithelium changes lead to inflammatory mediators.
- To explain how these mediators generate symptoms through direct action, nerve stimulation, and CNS effects.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on nasal epithelium, inflammatory mediators, and sensory nerve pathways.
- Analysis of the pathways linking physical/chemical changes to symptom generation.
Main Results:
- Inflammatory mediators cause symptoms via direct effects on glands/vasculature, sensory nerve stimulation, and central nervous system (CNS) modulation.
- Direct effects include glandular secretion and vasodilation.
- Nerve stimulation causes reflex secretion, sneezing, itching, pain, and pressure. CNS effects manifest as headache, fever, tiredness, and mood changes.
Conclusions:
- Nasal symptoms result from a complex interplay between nasal epithelium changes, inflammatory mediators, sensory nerves, and the CNS.
- A comprehensive understanding of these pathways is essential for effective symptom management.
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