Introduction:
With the advances made in the field of rhinology in the last two
decades, several studies have highlighted the functions of nasal
mucocilia and its pivotal role in maintaining the nasal physiology. The
focus of attention is now drawn to identify the factors which alter the
nasal mucociliary clearance, thereby affecting the nasal functions.
Tracheostomy is a life-saving procedure that bypasses the upper airway
causing absence or reduced nasal airflow. Hypothetically this altered
nasal airflow in patients with prolonged tracheostomy could lead to
nasal mucociliary dysfunction. There are very few studies in the medical
literature that evaluates the effects of prolonged tracheostomy on nasal
physiology [1]. Hence this study was done to
assess the impact of prolonged tracheostomy on nasal mucociliary
clearance.