1999 Volume 38 Issue 1 Pages 27-32
Introduction: For the purpose of examining the direct effect of methacholine aerosol on nasal mucosa reaction, ipratropium bromide spray (IB) having an anticholinergic effect was sprayed in the nasal cavity. Before and after spraying, we studied the methacholine dose-response curve on breathing through the nose by Astograph and nasal resistance.
Subjects and methods: Twenty-two subjects, who were methacholine aerosol positive by Astograph through the nose, were selected for study.
Three parameters were extracted from the dose-response curve: patency, sensitivity and reactivity. Results: 1) Patency and reactivity showed no significant difference in response to IB nasal spray, but sensitivity demonstrated a significant decrease (p<0.01). 2) Nasal resistance was significantly increased after methacholine aerosol through the nose (p<0.01). Furthermore, nasal resistance measured after methacholine aerosol through the nose and after IB nasal spray was significantly decreased compared with nasal resistance measured after methacholine aerosol only (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Nasal mucosal irritation by methacholine increased the nasal respiratory resistance in a concentration dependent manner. The methacholine dose-response curve demonstrated that the nasal resistance decreased with IB nasal spray administration.
The inhibition of methacholine by IB nasal spray suggests that methacholine has a direct action on the nasal mucosa.
