Nasal resistance during infancy

doi:10.1016/0034-5687(78)90031-2

Respiration Physiology

Volume 34, Issue 2, August 1978, Pages 233-246

Respiration Physiolo...

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Abstract

Nasal Resistance (Rn) was measured in 30 Caucasian and 13 Negro infants during the 1st year of life, using an adaptation of the posterior rhinomanometric method. Concurrent measurements of Thoracic Gas Volume (TGV)_and Airway Resistance during nose breathing (Raw (n)) were made using the plethysmographic technique.

The percentage contribution of Rn to Raw (n) was significantly higher in the Caucasian infants (mean 49.2 ± 7.5 (SD) %), than in the Negro infants (mean 31.1 ± 6.8 (SD) %), which probably resulted from anatomical differences in nasal structure.

In each infant, Rn was subtracted from Raw (n) in order to assess resistance, and its reciprocal, conductance (Gaw), during mouth breathing. A strong linear relationship was found to exist between Gaw (m) and TGV throughout the first year of life (r = 0.92), with no significant difference between Negro and Caucasian infants. Specific Airway Conductance during mouth breathing (SGaw (m) = Gaw (m)/TGV) was found to be considerably higher during infancy than at any other time during life, which may help to at least partially compensate for the fact that newborn infants are obligatory nose breathers.

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Citation Excerpt :
Transition from nasal to oral breathing is easily accomplished in awake adults. This is not the case however with infants, in whom the close approximation of the soft palate, tongue and epiglottis makes oral breathing difficult (Bergeson and Shaw, 2001; Harding, 1986; Polgar and Kong, 1965; Shaw, 1968; Stocks and Godfrey, 1978; Swift and Emery, 1973; Trabalon and Schaal, 2012). Consequently, in children, forced oral breathing, whether or not caused by nasal obstruction, can be associated with both social and physical stress (Fensterseifer et al., 2013; Hitos et al., 2013; Jefferson, 2010).
Inconsistent findings regarding the experimental nasal obstruction on respiratory functions in small animals have been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of short term forced oral breathing on respiratory functions as well as the therapeutic implication of esophageal intubation in BALB/c mice. Thirty BALB/c mice were randomized equally to two groups: an experimental group and control group. Oral breathing was induced by applying petrolatum ointment in nostrils for occlusion both nasal cavities. Esophageal tube was inserted to enlarge the oropharyngeal airway in the experimental mice. Respiratory parameters were measured by barometric whole-body plethysmography (WBP) in the following condition: normal nasal breathing; nasal breathing loading in a soft bag; forced oral breathing loading in a soft bag; forced oral breathing loading in a soft bag after undergoing esophageal intubation. After applying petrolatum ointment of nostrils, all the mice switch to oral breathing with apparent discomfort (bradypnea). Nasal occlusion was associated with a decrease in the average respiratory rate (268 ± 36 vs. 90 ± 10 breaths/min; P < 0.01) and an increase in Penh (0.67 ± 0.14 vs. 19.23 ± 2.12; P < 0.01). After undergoing esophagus intubation, these mice switched to oral breathing with less discomfort. Compared with the control mice, respiratory rate (175 ± 25 vs. 90 ± 10) was higher; the Penh (8.84 ± 1.05 vs. 18.09 ± 2.03; P < 0.01) was lower. Short term forced oral breathing induced by nasal occlusion caused respiratory insufficiency in mice. Stenotic oropharyngeal airway was supposed to be one of the most important factors. Enlarging oropharyngeal airway by esophagus intubation could improve the respiratory insufficiency under nasal occlusion.

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Nasal resistance during infancy

Abstract

J. Ped.

J. Allergy

The relationship between airway resistance, airway conductance and lung volume in subjects of different age and body size

J. Clin. Invest.

The measurement of the resistance of the nasal passages to the movement of air. II. Increased resistance, mechanical and reflex, subsequent to the occlusion of alternate nostrils

Rev. Allergy

The work of breathing through the nose

Clin. Sci.

A method for ventilatory measurements in subjects 1 month to 5 years of age: Normal results and observations in disease

Pediat. Res.

A rapid plethysmographic method for measuring TGV

J. Clin. Invest.