[Effect of warm air inhalation on the nasal ciliated epithelium]

It is known from in-vitro-studies, that temperatures exceeding 45 degrees C can damage the function and structure of the nasal cilia irreversibly. We tested 30 healthy volunteers by inhalation therapy, exposed to moist vapor over a 10 min period. The ciliary function was assessed by vital cytological sampling, and included measurement of ciliary beat frequency. The beat frequency increased during inhalation therapy, but the number of viable ciliated cells did not change significantly. Thus warm air inhalation therapy does not damage the nasal ciliated epithelium, probably due to the air conditioning capacity of the nose.