Characterization of the nasal cycle using a long-term rhinometry over 24 hours

Introduction The nasal cycle (NC) is a periodic and alternating swelling of the nasal mucosa. In the past the NC was examined only by single measurements using rhinomanometry. The aim of this study was to record the nasal respiratory airflow using mobile rhinometry over 24 hours in healthy volunteers, depending on physical activity.

Material and Methods: Long-term rhinometry (RHINO-MOVE®) was used for continuous measurement over 24 hours. A total of 55 healthy subjects (35 % ♂,65 % ♀, Ø age 37 years) were included. Parallel to nasal airflow, heart rate as well as physical activity were recorded.

Results A NC in 24 hours was detectable in all subjects. 47/55 subjects showed a mixed, seven a classic and one an ”in-concert” cycle type. A classical was detected at least once in more than 90 % of the subjects during the measurements. During sleep, a classical NC was the most common type (84 %), while the in-concert type (40 %) and the mixed cycle type (38 %) dominated in the active phases. Most of the subjects presented a combination of classical and in-concert components, which merged into one another depending on physical activity. The average phase duration during sleep (247±112min) was significantly longer than in the active phases (138±53min). The shortest measured phase lasted 23min, the longest 634min.

Conclusions A long-term rhinometry with the applied system is practicable for everyday clinical use. For the first time, the system allows an continuously examination of the NC over 24 hours in the everyday life of the test person. Overall, the cycle types show a large individual variance depending on age, wakefulness and sleep rhythm as well as physical activity.

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Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020