Mucociliary Clearance Time in Patients with and without Rhinitis

Abstract

Background: Rhinitis may be allergic or non allergic. Allergic rhinitis,  intermittent or persistent is the most common type of rhinitis, affecting approximately 20% of the population while nonallergic rhinitis affects 5-10%. While rhinitis is not a life-threatening condition, complications may occur and the condition can significantly impair quality of life. In order to
measure the mucociliary clearance time in patients with and without rhinitis a study was conducted in the ENT, H&N, and orthopedic departments at KNH.
Methods: 130 cases between the age of 18 and 40 years and matched controls were inducted. The Anderson saccharine test was conducted.
Results: The average mucociliary clearance time was significantly different, 12.64 and 7.80minutes in cases and controls respectively (p = <0.01). Nasal crusting as well as the rheology of mucus were significant factors in determining mucociliary clearance time (p>0.01).
Conclusion: The normative values of MCT remain debatable with overlap between the cases and controls.

Key words: rhinitis, mucociliary clearance time, saccharine test