Measurement of Nasal Mucociliary Clearance in Indian Adults: Normative Data

Nasal mucociliary clearance (NMC) plays an important role in removal of inhaled particles. The aim of this study was to assess the normal nasal mucociliary clearance time in Indian adult population in age group 18-60 years. A cross sectional, descriptive, observational study was performed. Two hundred participants in the age group 18-60 years were included in this study. Saccharin transit test was performed in these subjects. Saccharin particle was placed 0.5 cm away from the inferior turbinate from its anterior part. The participants were asked to inform the appearance of sweet taste. Duration between placement of particle and the appearance of taste was noted in minutes. Mean saccharin transit time was 9.44?2.73 minutes. There was no statistically significant difference in saccharin transit time between males & females. Nasal mucociliary clearance time between < 40 years & ≥40 years was compared and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. The normal mucociliary clearance value in healthy adult Indian population-based on saccharin transit time is 9.44 ± 2.73 min. The earliest change in respiratory defense mechanism is change in nasal mucociliary clearance time and saccharin test is a simple, easy test to detect this.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-03915-x.