Nasal Mucociliary Clearance Time in Symptomatic versus Asymptomatic Deviated Nasal Septum: A Comparative Analysis

Nasal mucociliary clearance is the first barrier defense mechanism that protects the respiratory system. This study aimed to assess nasal mucociliary clearance time (NMCT) using saccharine test in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic deviated nasal septum (DNS).

This was a prospective study conducted in a tertiary center from February 2022 to July 2023. A total of 40 patients, including 20 symptomatic and 20 asymptomatic patients with DNS, were included. The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale was used to assess the severity of nasal obstruction in patients with symptomatic DNS. NMCT was measured by saccharine test in both the symptomatic and asymptomatic DNS patients. NMCT between these two groups was compared.

There were 27 males and 13 females with a mean age of 28.53±7.86 years. Overall median NMCT was 7 minutes 30 seconds, with a similar duration (7 minutes 30 seconds) in patients with symptomatic DNS and 7 minutes and 15 seconds in asymptomatic patients. The difference in NMCT between the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups was not statistically significant. Similarly, it did not differ based on age, gender, or severity of the nasal obstruction.

Although NMCT was longer in patients with symptomatic DNS compared to those with asymptomatic DNS, no statistical difference was found. Additionally, NMCT remained within normal physiological limits in both. We thus conclude that NMCT remains unaffected regardless of whether the DNS patient is symptomatic or asymptomatic.