Nasal obstruction and pulmonary function: the role of humidification.

The function of the nose in respiration is poorly understood. This article reports on two studies of the effects of nasal obstruction on pulmonary function. First, blood gases were studied in 71 patients undergoing intranasal surgery. Patients with bilateral nasal packing had an average PO2 drop of 6.9 mm Hg. Lung disease and polyps were more prevalent in patients who showed a significant drop in PO2, and those who became most hypoxic complained of a dry throat. The second study tested the influence of humidification. Pulmonary function and blood gases were measured in 10 subjects before and after nasal occlusion. Those breathing only dry air had a drop in compliance after nasal clipping. When air was humidified, nasal occlusion had no significant effect. Humidification may be an important respiratory function of the nose. Any future studies of the nasopulmonary relationship should adequately control for humidity and bronchial reactivity.