Evaluation of nasal volume by acoustic rhinometry before and after physical exercise

Acute nasal breathing lowers diastolic blood pressure and increases parasympathetic contributions to heart rate variability in young adults

There is growing interest in how breathing pace, pattern, and training (e.g., device-guided or -resisted breathing) affect cardiovascular health. It is unknown whether the route of breathing (nasal vs. oral) affects prognostic cardiovascular variables. Because nasal breathing can improve other physiological variables (e.g., airway dilation), we hypothesized that nasal compared with oral breathing would acutely lower blood pressure (BP) and improve heart rate variability (HRV) metrics. We tested 20 adults in this study [13 females/7 males; age: 18(1) years, median (IQR); body mass index: 23 ± 2 kg·m-2, means ± SD]. We compared variables between nasal- and oral-only breathing (random order, five min each) using paired, two-tailed t tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank paired tests with significance set to P < 0.05. We report the median (interquartile range) for diastolic BP and means ± SD for all other variables. We found that nasal breathing was associated with a lower mean BP (nasal: 84 ± 7 vs. oral: 86 ± 5 mmHg, P = 0.006, Cohen's d = 0.70) and diastolic BP [nasal: 68(8) vs. oral: 72(5) mmHg, P < 0.001, Rank-biserial correlation = 0.89] but not systolic BP (nasal: 116 ± 11 vs. oral: 117 ± 9 mmHg, P = 0.48, Cohen's d = 0.16) or heart rate (HR; nasal: 74 ± 10 vs. oral: 75 ± 8 beats·min-1, P = 0.90, Cohen's d = 0.03). We also found that nasal breathing was associated with a higher high-frequency (HF) contribution to HRV (nasal: 59 ± 19 vs. oral: 52 ± 21%, P = 0.04, Cohen's d = 0.50) and a lower low frequency-to-HF ratio at rest (nasal: 0.9 ± 0.8 vs. oral: 1.2 ± 0.9, P = 0.04, Cohen's d = 0.49). These data suggest that nasal compared with oral breathing acutely 1) lowers mean and diastolic BP, 2) does not affect systolic BP or heart rate, and 3) increases parasympathetic contributions to HRV.NEW & NOTEWORTHY There is growing interest in how breathing pace, pattern, and training (e.g., device-guided or -resisted breathing) affect prognostic cardiovascular variables. However, the potential effects of the breathing route on prognostic cardiovascular variables are unclear. These data suggest that nasal compared with oral breathing 1) lowers mean and diastolic blood pressure (BP), 2) does not affect systolic BP or heart rate (HR), and 3) increases parasympathetic contributions to heart rate variability (HRV). These data suggest that acute nasal breathing improves several prognostic cardiovascular variables.

Can Sex Improve Nasal Function?-An Exploration of the Link Between Sex and Nasal Function

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to examine the impact of sexual activity on nasal breathing and compare such effect to that of a nasal decongestant.

METHODS

We evaluated nasal breathing at 5 different times: (1) before sexual activity (baseline), (2) immediately after sexual activity, (3) 30 minutes, (4) 1 hour (5), and 3 hours after sexual climax. Same measurements were taken on the second day following application of nasal decongestant spray. For evaluation of nasal breathing, we used a visual analogue scale (VAS). Additionally, we used a portable rhinometric device to measure resistance and nasal flow.

RESULTS

Nasal breathing improved significantly after sexual intercourse with climax to the same degree as after application of nasal decongestant for up to 60 minutes, as measured subjectively with the VAS (sex -3.6, P < .001; spray -3.2, P < .001). This was confirmed in the objective rhinometric data as mean nasal flow (mL/s) increased while resistance decreased immediately (flow sex +214, P < .001; flow spray +235, P < .001), 30 (flow sex +249, P < .001; flow spray +287, P < .001), and 60 minutes (flow sex +180, P < .001; flow spray +287, P < .001) post-intervention. Nasal breathing was back to the baseline level after 3 hours following sexual intercourse, while it continued to be improved for longer after application of nasal decongestant. Only participants having nasal obstruction (Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation score >30) showed nasal function improvement after sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual intercourse with climax can improve nasal breathing to the same degree as application of nasal decongestant for up to 60 minutes in patients having nasal obstruction.

Protective Effect of Aerobic Exercise on the Nasal Mucosa of Rats Against the Histopathologic Changes in Cigarette Smoke Exposure

INTRODUCTION

Smoking is a public health problem that has been proven to have adverse effects on human health. Aerobic exercise has positive effects on the human body, especially on the respiratory system.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this experimental animal model study was to determine whether regular aerobic exercise has a protective effect against the harmful effects of cigarette smoke on the nasal mucosa of rats.

METHODS

A total of 24 male Wistar albino rats were randomly separated into 3 groups of 8: group 1 (cigarette smoking), group 2 (cigarette smoking and exercise), and group 3 (control group). At the end of the experiment period, histopathological (light and electron microscopy) and immunohistochemical (GSTA 1, CYP1A1, and CYP2E1) evaluations were made of the nasal mucosa of the animals.

RESULTS

Goblet cell loss and basal membrane thickening were significantly lower in group 2 and group 3 compared to group 1. In the electron microscope evaluation, the inflammatory expressions of the goblet cells were observed in a very small area in group 2. In group 1, these were distributed over large areas between the mucosal cells. There was seen to be significant swelling of the mitochondria in group 1 compared to the other groups. No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups with respect to GSTA1, CYP2E1, and CYP1A1 scores (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that regular aerobic exercise has a protective effect against the harmful effects of smoking on the nasal mucosa of rats.

Responses of healthy young males to fine-particle exposure are modified by exercise habits: a panel study

BACKGROUND

Aerobic exercise benefits health but increases inhalation of fine particles (PM2.5) in ambient air. Acute cardiopulmonary responses to PM2.5 exposure in individuals with different exercise habits, especially in areas with severe air pollution, are not well understood.

METHODS

To examine acute cardiopulmonary responses to PM2.5 exposure modified by exercise habits, a panel of 20 healthy non-smoking male subjects, recruited in Beijing, China, completed seven visits. The exercise frequency per week and preferred exercise place were recorded using a baseline questionnaire to describe exercise habits. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), cytokines in exhaled breath condensate, blood pressure, and pulse-wave analysis (PWA) indices were measured during each visit as biomarkers of acute cardiopulmonary responses. The hourly average mass concentration of PM2.5 and black carbon (BC), and the number concentrations of ultrafine particles (UFP) and accumulation mode particles (AMP) were monitored throughout the follow-up period at an outdoor fixed monitoring station beginning 14 days prior to each visit. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the associations between acute changes in biomarker levels and exposure to PM2.5 and its constituents. The primary aim was to assess the modification of long-term exercise habits on these associations.

RESULTS

FeNO concentration, systolic blood pressure, ejection duration, aortic augmentation pressure, and aortic pressure index were positively associated with exposure to PM2.5 and its constituents. However, no associations with cytokine levels or diastolic blood pressure were observed. In a stratified analysis, we found that acute cardiopulmonary responses were modified by exercise habit. Specifically, the interquartile ranges (IQR) of increases in the 6-12-h moving average (MA) PM2.5 and AMP exposure were associated with 19-21% and 24-26% increases in FeNO, respectively, in subjects with high exercise frequency; these associations were significantly stronger than those in subjects with low exercise frequency. An IQR increase in 3-11-d MA AMP exposure was associated with a 10-26% increase in aortic augmentation pressure in subjects with low exercise frequency; this association was significantly stronger than that in subjects with high exercise frequency. An IQR increase in 9-13-d MA UFP exposure was associated with a 13-17% increase in aortic augmentation pressure in subjects who preferred outdoor exercise; this association was stronger than that in subjects who preferred indoor exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

In highly polluted areas, frequent exercise might protect against PM2.5-associated arterial stiffness but exacerbate airway inflammation.

Effects of a Mask on Breathing Impairment During a Fencing Assault: A Case Series Study

Background:

Fencers often complain of progressive difficulty in breathing during matches, which is generally attributed to restricted air, light and heat circulation from wearing a mask. Physiologically, the nasal structure generates airflow resistance that can reach -50% of the total respiratory resistance.

Objectives:

This study aims to investigate the presence of nasal obstruction in fencers and the relationship with the use of mask.

Materials and Methods:

An observational study on 40 fencers (18 males, 22 females) was conducted. Fencers perform a usual assault, wearing the mask and standardized physical exercises (running, sprints and obstacles) without the mask. ENT examination with a nasal flexible fiberscope, Anterior Active Rhinomanometry (AAR) and Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF) measurement before and after physical activity with or without the mask was recorded.

Results:

Before physical exercise, the total nasal airway resistance mean value for AAR was 0.33 ± 0.17 Pa/cm³/s at 150 Pa. After a match with the mask, the mean value was 0.28 ± 0.16 Pa/cm³/s. After normal physical exercises without mask, the mean value was 0.24 ± 0.15 Pa/cm³/s. Using t tests, statistically significant difference between nasal resistance before and after physical activity (P < 0.05) was observed, but no significant difference in nasal resistance between the basal value and that taken after a match wearing the masks (P = 0.1265). PNIF values significantly increase with exercise (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Our study shows that wearing the mask causes increased breathing impairment in fencers, when compared with similar physical activity without the mask.

Physical exercise increases nasal patency in asthmatic and atopic preschool children

BACKGROUND

Physical exercise causes a decrease in nasal mucosal congestion and hence an increase in nasal patency. This nasal response has been studied only in adults. A correlation between nasal obstruction and asthma or allergic rhinitis has been previously found. This study evaluates the influences of atopy and asthma on nasal patency and the changes in nasal patency induced by physical exercise in preschool children.

METHODS

An 8-minute exercise challenge test was conducted in 31 children aged between 4.1 and 6.4 years: 13 children had asthma, 17 were atopic, and 13 had neither asthma nor atopy. Nasal patency was measured with acoustic rhinometry at baseline and 10 minutes after the exercise.

RESULTS

At baseline, the total acoustic values were 17-25% larger in nonasthmatic children than in asthmatic children. Accordingly, the acoustic values in nonatopic children were 16-35% larger than in atopic children. After physical exercise, there was an overall increase in mean total nasal volume from 2.973 (SD = 0.647) to 3.405 cm(3) (SD = 0.705), indicating an improvement of 15% in nasal volume (p = 0.025). The increase in nasal patency was similar in asthmatic and nonasthmatic children, as well as in atopic and nonatopic children.

CONCLUSION

A significant increase in total nasal volume after physical exercise was found in all preschool children. The minimal cross-sectional areas remained smaller in asthmatic and atopic children after exercise, indicating partly irreversible nasal mucosal congestion in these children.

The effects of air pollutants on nasal functions of outdoor runners

Nowadays road running is becoming more and more popular in our country. Road running is mostly done under improper conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of running on nasal response combined with the effects of air pollutants. Twenty road runners were enrolled in the study. All subjects were male and between 20 and 41 years of age. They ran for 60 min on the right side of an avenue in the center of the city. It is in a residential area but has heavy traffic. One week later they were invited to run for 60 min through a running course away from traffic that is located outside the city center. Nasal resistances were measured by active anterior rhinomanometry. Nasal transport time was also measured by saccharin transport method. There was a reduction in nasal resistance, which was statistically significant in city center runners but was not statistically significant in those running outside of the city center after the exercise. Although nasal transport times were statistically shorter in both groups, there were no differences between two groups. Nowadays, everyone is advised to do sports. Due to increase in the number of breaths, the depth of breathing, and the reduction in nasal resistance in outdoor runners during exercise, harmful air pollution particles can easily reach the lower respiratory tract. Exercise is important for our health, but it should be noted that the environment in which we run is as important as doing sports for our health, especially in outdoor runners.

Altered positional regulation of nasal patency in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome

We assessed the regulation of nasal patency supine in subjects with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) compared to healthy controls. Healthy subjects increase nasal obstruction when changing body position from sitting to supine, possibly due to increased hydrostatic pressure in the head supine. Limited data indicate that this response is altered in patients with OSAS, suggesting that supine nasal patency is actively regulated. This study examined the nasal response to recumbent body position using acoustic rhinometry in OSAS patients and healthy controls. Twenty subjects (16 men and 4 women, mean age 55 +/- 16 years), with diagnosed OSAS [mean apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI) 46 +/- 22 events/h] without nasal obstruction and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)-naive, underwent measurement of intra-nasal cross sectional area by acoustic rhinometry at sitting and after 5 min supine. Twenty healthy controls (13 men, 7 women, mean age 35 +/- 9 years) were also included in the study. In the patients with OSAS, the mean minimal cross sectional area (MCA, left + right nasal cavity) was unchanged between sitting (1.18 +/- 0.41 cm(2)) and supine (1.21 +/- 0.35 cm(2), P = 0.5). In the healthy controls, the mean MCA decreased from 1.06 +/- 0.18 to 0.94 +/- 0.21 cm(2) supine, P = 0.01. This study showed that the normal decrease in nasal patency following a change in body position from sitting to supine is absent in patients with OSAS. The results indicate that there is an active regulation of supine nasal patency.