Nasal peak flow rate records in work related nasal blockage

Abstract

Eleven patients, who had symptoms of blocking nose in relation to exposure to airway irritants in their work environment, and 11 control subjects recorded nasal and bronchial peak expiratory flow rates (PEFRN and PEFRB) during a working week. In contrast to the control subjects the patients demonstrated a pattern of gradual decrease in PEFRN during the working week with restitution during the subsequent weekend and a different day rhythm in PEFRN during working days from days off. The changes in PEFRB were similar but less pronounced. The results indicate that the symptoms of nasal blockage can be visualized by following the PEFRN during a working week and that the changes in PEFRN may have a relationship to different environmental exposures.