A computed tomographic study of nasal mucosa: effects of vasoactive substances

Computed tomographic studies of mucosal responses to vasoactive substances (xylometazoline and histamine) in healthy nasal cavities of adult subjects demonstrate the distribution of erectile mucosa. Following artificial congestion of the mucosa by local application of histamine: (1) the middle turbinate and the body of the inferior turbinate limit the main nasal airway as it passes through the middle meatus; (2) an expanded mass of localized erectile tissue in the anterior septal region bars the entrance to middle meatus and intrudes medially into the narrow airway of the piriform aperture and nasal valve; (3) this critical segment of the airway is further limited by forward extension of the anterior tip of the inferior turbinate.