The rheological characteristics of nasal mucus in patients with rhinitis

In this paper we have analyzed the physical properties of nasal mucus from 120 outpatients with rhinitis. We focused on the most relevant rheological features: viscosity, elasticity, adhesiveness, as well as ability to be spun ("spinability") or poured ("pourability"). A double-capillary type viscometer was used to measure viscosity and elasticity and the platinum ring method to measure adhesiveness. "Spinability" was measured with an automatic apparatus (Filancemetre Sefam) and "pourability" was determined by describing flow under gravity. Efficacy of nasal clearance was analyzed by measuring mucociliary transport time with an inert tracer using vegetal charcoal powder. Results showed that impaired nasal mucosal function in patients with rhinitis could be determined by studying rheological features in addition to measuring mucociliary activity. Information provided proved invaluable when considering possible treatment with agents affecting kinesis of nasal mucus.