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Peak nasal inspiratory flow in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
W M Thorstensen1, M Rystad Oie1, M Sue-Chu2
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, St. Olavs University hospital, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.
Peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) is reduced in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study found lower PNIF in COPD patients, suggesting careful interpretation is needed for those with lung disease.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pulmonary Function Testing
Background:
- Nasal airflow in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not well understood.
- Peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) measures nasal airflow, but its relation to COPD is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if nasal airflow, measured by PNIF, is reduced in individuals with COPD.
- To explore associations between COPD, chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and PNIF.
Main Methods:
- Ninety COPD patients and 67 controls performed PNIF and spirometry.
- Multivariable linear regression analyzed associations between PNIF, COPD, and FEV1, adjusting for covariates.
Main Results:
- COPD patients exhibited significantly lower PNIF compared to controls.
- COPD and lower pre-bronchodilator FEV1 were independently associated with reduced PNIF.
- CRSsNP was not significantly associated with PNIF in adjusted analyses.
Conclusions:
- Peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) is diminished in individuals with COPD.
- Reduced PNIF in COPD may stem from lower airway obstruction, necessitating cautious interpretation in this population.
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