The influence of nasal obstruction on mucociliary transport.

The influence of nasal obstruction on mucociliary transport is tested by the saccharin test (Andersen). Twenty normal subjects were tested with open nose and subsequently with the nose closed by a clamp. The transport times were significantly longer, when the nose was clamped. It is diScussed that nasal obstruction and missing ventilation leads to changes in the mucus layers by superfluent humidity. This causes a decoupling of the mucociliary transport. Thus a new aspect in pathogenesis of nasal and sinus disease is given.