A comparison of the effects of two commonly used vasoconstrictors on nasal mucosal blood flow and nasal airflow

Abstract

This study compared two commonly used vasoconstrictors, cocaine and xylometazoline. Non-invasive techniques of measurement were utilised, with active anterior rhinomanometry indirectly assessing changes in nasal mucosal blood volume, and laser Doppler flowmetry assessing changes in nasal mucosal blood flow. Twelve healthy volunteers received 0.1 ml of the topical vasoconstrictor at the anterior end of both inferior turbinates. Following the application of xylometazoline, a significant rise in nasal airflow (p < 0.005), and a significant fall in blood flux occurred in the probe nostril (p < 0.05). Following the application of cocaine, no significant change in nasal airflow occurred (p > 0.05), but a significant fall in blood flux occurred in the probe nostril (p < 0.02). A comparison of the paired data for the same subject demonstrated no significant difference in the change in blood flux produced by xylometazoline and cocaine, but a significant difference in the change in airflow produced by the two vasoconstrictors (p < 0.005).

Key Words:

• rhinomanometry
• laser Doppler flowmetry
• blood flux
• nasal resistance
• cocaine
• xylometazoline