Nasal Airflow, Mucociliary Clearance, and Sinus Functioning during Viral Colds: Effects of Allergic Rhinitis and Susceptibility to Recurrent Sinusitis

Abstract

Abnormal nasal airflow and MCC rates seem to be associated with impaired functioning of paranasal sinuses during viral colds and tend to be more common in allergic subjects.

The diagnosis and management of rhinitis: An updated practice parameter

“…Natural as well as experimentally induced viral upper respiratory infections have been associated with prolonged mucociliary clearance as measured by radiolabeled resin beads or dyed saccharin. 163,830 This effect is maximum at 3 days, persists up to 11 days, and is found in a higher proportion of patients with versus without allergy. 163,830 Acute viral infections may also cause cytopathic epithelial damage that may take a number of weeks to resolve.…”

“…[167][168][169] After an infection, resolution of secondary ciliary dysfunction and cytopathic epithelial damage may require weeks. 163,164,[170][171][172] An adverse effect of tobacco smoke on mucociliary clearance in the upper airways in healthy smokers has not been established. 173,174 Evaluation and diagnostic studies in patients with rhinitis History [Summary Statements 35,36] A thorough allergic history remains the best diagnostic tool available.…”

“…It cannot be relied on for a definitive diagnosis of primary nasal ciliary dyskinesis but may be useful in diagnosing and following the resolution of secondary nasal ciliary dysfunction. [163][164][165] For a definitive diagnosis of primary nasal ciliary dyskinesis, a brush biopsy is obtained from the inferior concha and examined by electron microscopy. 244,245 Combining electron microscopy with computer-based image processing algorithms can improve the visualization of ultrastructural defects.…”

Clinical spectrum of acute rhinosinusitis among atopic and nonatopic children in Taiwan

“…Alho confirmed that abnormal nasal airflow is significantly associated with elevated computed tomography scores of the ipsilateral paranasal sinus, further indicating that the impairment in ventilation and drainage in the nasal passages extended into the paranasal sinuses as well [24]. Impairment of sinus function has been considered a key factor in the development of bacterial sinusitis [25].…”

The Impact of allergic and nonallergic rhinitis on pediatric sinusitis

“…A study of human subjects in Finland showed that subjects with allergic rhinitis had more severe sinus changes on CT scans during viral URIs, indicating impaired sinus functioning [52]. Another study from this same group compared nasal airflow and mucociliary clearance and their association with sinus functioning during URIs in allergic, sinusitis-susceptible, and control patients [53]. This study demonstrated that a higher proportion of the allergic subjects, but not the sinusitis-susceptible patients, had abnormal nasal airflow and mucociliary clearance values compared with control subjects.…”