Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 24, 2025

Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber
Published on: March 3, 2023
The effect of Ramadan fasting on nasal mucociliary activity and peak nasal inspiratory flow
Doğan Çakan1, H Baki Yılmaz2, Muhammed Gazi Yıldız3
1Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey. drdgnckn@gmail.com.
Purpose:
In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Ramadan fasting (RF) on nasal mucociliary clearance (MCC) and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF).
Methods:
Sixty-two (41 male and 21 female) healthy subjects who stated that they would fast continuously during the month of Ramadan were included in this prospective study. Day 0 (baseline), 1st day (after one day of RF), and 29th (after 29 days of RF) nasal mucociliary clearance time (MCT) with saccharine test and PNIF values were determined. Subject weights (SW) were measured on Day 0 and Day 29. The obtained data were analyzed statistically.
Results:
The mean of SW on day 0 was 78.53 ± 10.95 kg, and the mean of SW on Day 29 was 78.69 ± 10.87 kg. There was no significant difference in terms of SW (p = 0.251, p > 0.05). A significant difference was found between the MCT and PNIF values measured on different study days (p < 0.05). The MCT values for Day 29 were significantly higher than the values for other days (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the MCT values on the first day and the baseline (p = 0.891, p > 0.05). The PNIF values for Day 29 were significantly higher than the values for other days (p < 0.05). The PNIF values on the first day were significantly higher than the baseline (p = 0.008, p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
The present study showed that RF leads to MCT prolongation and PNIF increase. Ramadan fasting causes deterioration in nasal airway defense and improvement in nasal respiration.
Related Concept Videos
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by...
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Other Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
However, the ability to hold one's breath voluntarily is not limitless. When the CO2 concentration in the blood reaches a critical...
Factors Affecting Respiration

