Temporary artificial obstruction of the nose and changes in gas exchange in the blood.

A group of 31 subjects were subjected to complete artificial obstruction of the nose for a period of one hour. Their ages ranged from 14 to 16 years. Prior to the experiment the subjects were found to be healthy. During the nasal obstruction there was a fall in pO2 and an increase in pCO2 due to the hindered ventilation.