Nasal Obstruction and Cardiopulmonary System in Children

Abstract

45 patients aged 6–18 years, with bilateral (17) and unilateral (28) obstruction of the nose, were analysed and divided into two groups in which nasal pressure ranged from 20 to above 60 mm H₂O. The following examinations pertaining to pulmonary function were performed: partial pressure of oxygen (Po₂) and carbon dioxide (Pco₂), pulmonary ventilation at rest and under charge (VC, FEV₁, MMF_25–75, IGV, FRC, RV, TLC, R_t). The investigation of the heart functions included the pulse rate, BP, and ECG at rest and under charge. According to our findings, nasal obstruction in children has less influence on the lower respiratory tracts than contended in previous reports in the literature. In no single case have we found any alterations in the function of the cardiovascular system at rest or during charge.