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Effects of posture change on nasal patency
Renato Roithmann1, Pedro Demeneghi, Roberta Faggiano
1Universidade Luterana do Brasil.
Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
|February 1, 2006
Summary
Lying down causes nasal obstruction in both healthy individuals and those with rhinitis, as measured by acoustic rhinometry. Symptoms of nasal congestion are more pronounced in individuals with rhinitis when in a supine position.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Physiology
Background:
- Nasal obstruction upon lying down is a common complaint.
- Venous engorgement and hydrostatic pressure changes are thought to cause nasal mucosal swelling.
- Acoustic rhinometry offers a non-invasive method to evaluate nasal airflow and patency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of changing from a sitting to a supine position on nasal patency.
- To assess nasal obstruction using acoustic rhinometry in relation to body posture.
Main Methods:
- Prospective clinical study involving 20 volunteers (10 healthy, 10 with rhinitis).
- Nasal sensation was quantified using a visual analogue scale.
- Nasal cross-sectional area and volume were measured via acoustic rhinometry in seated and supine positions.
Main Results:
- Both groups exhibited significant increases in nasal obstruction in the supine position, confirmed by both subjective (visual analogue scale) and objective (acoustic rhinometry) measures.
- Individuals with rhinitis reported and demonstrated a greater degree of nasal obstruction compared to healthy controls.
Conclusions:
- Assuming a supine position leads to reduced nasal cross-sectional area and volume in both healthy individuals and those with rhinitis.
- The subjective experience of nasal obstruction is exacerbated by lying down more significantly in individuals with rhinitis.
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