Association between nasal and bronchial resistance in patients with COPD

Background: During the past decade, various studies have documented the presence of sinonasal inflammation in lower airways diseases. The influence of airways inflammation on nasal airways patency was demonstrated in asthmatic patients; however, such association was not confirmed in patients with COPD. Purpose: The aim of the study was to compare the relationship between nasal resistance and lower airways patency in COPD patients and healthy controls. Material and Methods: 4-Phase-Rhinomanometry and spirometry were performed on COPD patients (n=26) and in the corresponding age control group (n=15). To compare the effective nasal resistance in inspiration, expiration and total breathing (Reffin, Reffex, Refft) in COPD and the control group, we used one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). To evaluate the relationship between nasal and lung functional parameters for both groups, we used the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: We did not find a significant difference between nasal resistances in COPD patients and those of the control group. In spite of the different values of FEV1/FVC and FEV1 in compared groups (p Conclusions: Patients with COPD have no increased nasal resistance compared to healthy subjects, but there may exist an inverse association between nasal resistance and bronchial conductivity (comparing FEV1 and FEV1/FVC values), which potentially might be confirmed by further research.