Nasobronchial relationship after cold air provocation

• Published in: Respiratory medicine Vol. 94; no. 11; pp. 1119 - 1122
• Main Authors: JOHANSSON, Å., BENDE, M., MILLQVIST, E., BAKE, B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01-11-2000; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Asthma - physiopathology; Biological and medical sciences; bronchoconstriction; Bronchoconstriction - physiology; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma; Cold Temperature - adverse effects; Female; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; nasal provocation; Nasal Provocation Tests - methods; nasobronchial relationship; Nitric Oxide - physiology; nitrogen oxide; paranasal sinus ventilation; Pneumology; Reflex; Respiratory Function Tests; nasal provocation; nasobronchial relationship; paranasal sinus ventilation; bronchoconstriction; nitrogen oxide; Human; Reflex; Pathophysiology; Respiratory disease; Bronchus; Exploration; Asthma; Cold air; Bronchoconstriction; Lung function; Nose; Obstructive pulmonary disease; Provocation test
• ISSN: 0954-6111; 1532-3064
• DOI: 10.1053/rmed.2000.0924

Provocation with cold air in the nose causes broncho-obstruction while warm air causes bronchodilation in patients with asthma, but not in healthy subjects. These findings have suggested the existence of a nasobronchial reflex. The present study aimed to block this effect and evaluate the mechanisms underlying the effect on lung function after cold stimulation of the nose. Lung function, as measured with specific conductance and forced expiratory flow, was reduced after cold stimulation of the nose, but this effect could not be blocked by anesthetizing the nose or by inhaling an anti-cholinergic drug before the provocation. These results confirm the presence of a nasobronchial relationship, but not of a nasobronchial reflex.