No abstract

No abstract

Adequate moisture is essential for the maintenance of the normal function of the respiratory mucosa. Dehydration of the mucous blanket, which covers and protects the cilia, increases the viscosity of the secretion. Cilial activity is thus reduced and may even cease so that the cilia are destroyed. This is the reason why air humidification in the nose has received such wide attention.Methods for simultaneous recordings of rapid changes in temperature and relative humidity were devised.' Great temperature variations and inaccuracy of the measurements were found when the heat sensing elements were placed in the rhinopharynx, due to variability of the central air stream in relation to the elements. The most accurate measurements were obtained from the larynx, where the respiratory tract is narrowest from a functional aspect. In this region, intermixing and corresponding equalization of the temperature of the axial stream and of the marginal zone take place. METHOD AND MATERIALA cannula was inserted via the cricothyroid membrane, and a thermoelectric micro-psychrometer was introduced into the subglottic space through the cannula. Thermoelements were made of fine wires welded end-to-end (wire diameter 0.03 mm ). One of the thermoelements was kept moist, being hygroscopic fibers.At room conditions (23°C, relative humidity 45%) dry and wet temperature recordings were made on healthy volunteers during nasal breathing. Thereafter the subjects were suddenly exposed to cold atmosphere (-lOOC, relative humidity 50%) for ten minutes.

No abstract

No abstract