Effects of osmolality changes in nebulizar solutions on nasal mucosa

The effects of osmolarity changes in nebulizer solutions on nasal mucosa was not known clearly. We measured nasal airway resistance, total nasal volume, weight of nasal drop and nasal mucociliay clearance by saccharin granule technique during the aerosol administration. The contents of nebulizer solutions were distilled water, physiological saline solution and 10% saline solution. Mucociliary clearance were improved in each concentration of solutions. Total nasal volume, nasal airway resistance and weight of nasal drop increased after inhalation of hypertonic saline. These results suggest osmolarity changes of nebulizer solutions affect mucociliary clearance and nasal mucosal swelling.