[Examination of upper airway function using the dew point hygrometer with semiconductor detector]

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Respiratory Physiology

Background:

• The nasal mucosa's capillary network is vital for respiration, specifically heating and humidifying inhaled air.
• Optimal air conditioning by the upper airways is crucial; deviations can lead to disorders.
• Existing methods for measuring airway humidity lack the speed and dynamic range required for detailed physiological studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a specialized dew point hygrometer designed for laryngological applications.
• To enable precise measurement of dynamic humidity fluctuations within the upper airways.
• To facilitate research into the correlation between airway humidification and various respiratory conditions.

Main Methods:

• Development of a fully automated dew point hygrometer with a rapid response time (up to 5 readings/second).
• Integration with a personal computer for data logging, patient management, and results archiving.
• Clinical testing on healthy volunteers and a patient with a tracheostomy under diverse environmental conditions.

Main Results:

• The hygrometer successfully measured real-time humidity levels in the nose, throat, and trachea during breathing cycles.
• Demonstrated significantly faster response times compared to existing market hygrometers.
• Collected data under various ambient conditions, providing insights into physiological humidity regulation.

Conclusions:

• The developed hygrometer is a valuable tool for assessing upper airway humidity dynamics.
• It can be utilized in diagnosing humidity-related airway disorders and evaluating treatment efficacy.
• The device supports further research on the impact of environmental factors and pharmaceuticals on airway mucosa.