Authors: Ko, Jen-Hung¹; Kuo, Terry B.J.²; Lee, Guo-She³

Source: American Journal of Rhinology, Volume 22, Number 2, March/April 2008 , pp. 159-165(7)

Publisher: OceanSide Publications, Inc

Abstract:

Background: Clinically, nasal obstruction is experienced frequently in the supine position, and the nasal autonomic nervous system (ANS) may be involved in the mechanism. The central ANS functions at maintaining cardiovascular hemodynamics. However, during postural change, the corresponding changes of the central ANS may simultaneously change the nasal airway as well. In this study, the relationships between nasal ANS and central ANS were explored using rhinomanometry (RMM) and heart rate variability (HRV) analysis between postural changes.

Methods: Twelve healthy volunteers aged between 19 and 39 years and without a history of allergic rhinitis or significant nasal anatomic obstruction were enrolled for the study. The nasal airway was measured using RMM in a sitting position and then in a supine position; the electrocardiography was simultaneously recorded.

Results: In supine position, the total nasal airflow significantly decreased and the airway resistance significantly increased (p < 0.05, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). The ratio of low frequency power to high frequency (HF) power of HRV that represents sympathetic modulation significantly decreased in the supine position (p < 0.05, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). However, the HF that represents parasympathetic activity did not show significant change with postural change. The correlations of heartbeat interval with total inspiratory airflow and total inspiratory resistance were significant also (p < 0.01, Pearson's correlation).

Conclusion: The central ANS activities significantly correlated with changes to the nasal airway during postural change. The central ANS, especially the sympathetic nervous system, may play a role in controlling nasal airway during postural change.

Keywords: Autonomic nervous system; heart rate variability; nasal airway; nasal resistance; postural change; rhinomanometry; sympathetic activity

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2500/ajr.2008.22.3143

Affiliations: 1: Department of Otolaryngology, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan 2: Institute of Brain Science, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan 3: Department of Otolaryngology, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan

Publication date: 2008-03-01

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