Further studies on nasal sensation of airflow

The effect of applying a eutectic mixture of local anaesthetics cream (EMLA) to the nasal vestibule, upon both nasal sensation of airflow and action of menthol was studied in 25 normal subjects. Anaesthesia of the vestibule was shown to decrease nasal sensation of airflow, p less than 0.001. The action of menthol in enhancing the sensation of nasal airflow was unchanged, p greater than 0.05. This shows that sensory nerve endings located within the nasal vestibule and mucosa, are likely to be important in conveying nasal sensation. This study expands basic scientific knowledge in this important clinical area. The site and nature of sensory nerve endings responsible and possible neurophysiological mechanisms involved are discussed.