The Effects of Alcohol on Nasal Patency and Mucociliary Clearance

ABSTRACT

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen healthy volunteers were studied to evaluate the effects of alcohol ingestion on nasal mucosa over time and changes in mucociliary function after alcohol ingestion. Nasal patency was evaluated with acoustic rhinometry, and mucociliary clearance was measured with a saccharine test. RESULTS: The cross-sectional area of the I-notch and the Cnotch did not change after alcohol ingestion. The cross-sectional area of the posterior part of the nasal cavity (CA 6.4) indicated changes more prominently than that of the anterior part (CA 3.3). A significant reduction in total nasal volume was first noted at 1.5 hours after alcohol ingestion and lasted for 1.5 hours. The saccharine transit time did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: There was no acute impairment of mucociliary function at moderate concentrations of alcohol.