THE NASAL RESPONSE TO AXILLARY PRESSURE

The changes in ipsilateral sympathetic tone in response to axillary pr essure are well known. However, the response of the nasal mucosa is le ss well documented. We have attempted to demonstrate this response in normal individuals. Ten individuals with no history of nasal disease o r allergy were studied. All subjects were exposed to sustained pressur e, using a crutch, for a period of 5 min. Nasal cross-sectional area w as measured on both sides of the nose using an acoustic rhinometer alo ng with pulse and blood pressure. The individuals were then rested for at least 30 min and the test repeated with pressure applied to the op posite side. Statistical analysis was performed by non-parametric meth ods. There was a significant fall in nasal cross-sectional area on the side of pressure (median change = 0.09 cm(2), P < 0.01) while cross-s ectional area in the contralateral nasal passage increased (median cha nge = 0.35 cm(2), P = 0.01). There were no significant differences bet ween these results and those obtained by axillary pressure on the oppo site side. Pulse and diastolic blood pressure rose with axillary press ure while systolic blood pressure remained unaltered. There was no dif ference in the laterality in the blood pressure response. The results indicate that axillary pressure produces nasal congestion and both aff erent and efferent arms of this reflex are side-specific.