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Nasal mucociliary clearance after radiation therapy
S P Stringer1, W Stiles, W H Slattery
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA.
The Laryngoscope
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Radiation therapy to the nasal cavity significantly impairs mucociliary clearance, leading to symptoms like congestion. This study confirms radiation
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Radiation Oncology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Irradiation is known to impair mucociliary clearance in animal models.
- Nasal mucociliary clearance is crucial for removing inhaled particles and pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clinically evaluate the effect of nasal cavity radiation therapy on mucociliary clearance.
- To assess the correlation between radiation-induced changes in mucociliary clearance and nasal symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Saccharin transport test used to measure nasal mucociliary clearance in 9 patients post-radiation therapy.
- Control group data used for comparison.
- Questionnaire administered to assess nasal symptoms before and after radiation therapy.
Main Results:
- Patients receiving radiation therapy showed no saccharin clearance within 20 minutes, compared to a median 5-minute clearance in controls.
- Significant increase in nasal congestion, drainage, and facial pain reported by patients post-radiation therapy.
Conclusions:
- Radiation therapy to the nasal cavity demonstrably reduces nasal mucociliary clearance.
- Impaired mucociliary clearance and associated symptoms should be considered in treatment planning for nasal malignancies.