Nasal cycle

As nasal cycle is called a reciprocal swelling (obstruction ) of the turbinates without external stimulus. The process occurs at about 80 percent of the population and is used for regeneration of the nasal mucosa. It is operated by the hypothalamus, which regulates the sympathetic tone.

The effect was first described in 1895 by Richard Kayser, a doctor in Breslau.

Function

The deswelled condition is called work phase. In the working phase much air flows through the nasal cavity. It caused increased turbulence, so that the exhaled air can be better wetted.

If a page is swollen, it is in the resting phase. In the resting phase, less air passes through the nasal cavity and the formation of turbulence is reduced. Thus, the contact of the air we breathe is reduced with the mucous membrane, which then can save energy and moisture.

Description

In healthy people, the cycle from 30 minutes to 14 hours and takes an average of 2.4 hours. Between day and night, does not show a big difference. The ratio of the air flow between work and rest phase is significantly larger at night than during the day.

People with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome shows a dependence of the cycle of the body position. This can be with the increased sympathetic tone of the patient justify. With over 80 % of affected individuals with turbinate swells on that side of the body on which the person is located.

Importance

Today in the English literature there are a number of studies on the manipulation of the nasal cycle by forced unilateral nostril ventilation and thus achieved the physiological and psychological effects.

Swell

• Neurophysiology
• Neurobiology
• Nose