Absence of pulmonary aspiration of sinus contents in patients with asthma and sinusitis

Journal Article · Sun Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0091-6749(05)80126-5· OSTI ID:6870278

Bardin, P G; Van Heerden, B B; Joubert, J R ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Stellenbosch (South Africa)

The frequent association of asthma and paranasal sinusitis has been ascribed to a nasobronchial reflex, aspiration of sinus secretions, or enhanced beta-adrenergic blockade. We investigated possible pulmonary aspiration in a pilot study (eight patients) and follow-up study (13 patients) by means of a radionuclide technique. In the pilot study, the aim was to demonstrate aspiration as well as visibility of the radionuclide in the thorax during a period of 24 hours. The radionuclide was initially placed bronchoscopically in the bronchial tree in four patients and was still clearly visible in the same position after 24 hours in three patients. Aspiration from the nasopharynx was unequivocally demonstrated in two of four patients with depressed consciousness. The follow-up study population consisted of four patients with maxillary sinusitis only and nine patients with sinusitis and asthma. The radionuclide was placed in a maxillary sinus during therapeutic puncture. In the patients with only sinusitis as well as patients with asthma and sinusitis the radionuclide could be demonstrated in the maxillary sinus, nasopharynx, esophagus, and lower gastrointestinal tract during a 24-hour period. However, no pulmonary aspiration of radionuclide could be demonstrated in any patient. We conclude that seeding of the lower airways by mucopurulent secretions is unlikely to account for coexistent pulmonary disease. The association is probably related to generalized mucosal disease affecting both upper and lower airways.

• OSTI ID: 6870278
• Journal Information: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology; (USA), Journal Name: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology; (USA) Vol. 86:1; ISSN 0091-6749; ISSN JACIB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550901* -- Pathology-- Tracer Techniques
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ANIMALS
ASTHMA
BODY
COLLOIDS
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
DISEASES
DISPERSIONS
ISOTOPE APPLICATIONS
ISOTOPES
MAMMALS
MAN
MICROSPHERES
ORGANS
PATHOGENESIS
PATIENTS
PHARYNX
PRIMATES
RESPIRATION
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES
SINUSES
TECHNETIUM ISOTOPES
TRACER TECHNIQUES
VERTEBRATES