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The nasal cycle in respiratory defence
1Common Cold and Nasal Research Centre, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, United Kingdom. eccles@cardiff.ac.uk
Acta Oto-Rhino-Laryngologica Belgica
|November 18, 2000
Summary
The nasal cycle involves alternating nasal congestion and airflow, potentially aiding respiratory defense. This phenomenon may enhance air conditioning, cleanse the nasal passages, and maintain airway patency during infections.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- The nasal cycle is a physiological phenomenon characterized by alternating congestion and decongestion of nasal venous sinuses.
- This results in a cyclical shift in airflow dominance between the nostrils over several hours.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential role of the nasal cycle in respiratory defense mechanisms.
- To hypothesize how the nasal cycle contributes to maintaining nasal passage function and immune response.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing knowledge on the nasal cycle.
- The study proposes a hypothesis based on the described physiological processes.
Main Results:
- The nasal cycle may function in respiratory defense through several proposed mechanisms.
- These include alternating air conditioning workload, generating cleansing plasma exudate, and maintaining airway patency during inflammation.
Conclusions:
- The nasal cycle is hypothesized to play a significant role in the respiratory system's defense.
- Its functions may include optimizing nasal air conditioning, facilitating physical and immunological clearance, and ensuring airway patency during infection.