Heating of air in the nasal airways in patients with chronic sinus disease before and after sinus surgery

The main goal of this study was to determine the influence of sinus surgery on the heating of inspired air in the nose. Intranasal temperature values of 22 patients with chronic sinus disease were measured after inspiration at different locations in the nasal cavity. Measurements were done before and 6-8 weeks after sinus surgery. The patients were compared to 22 healthy control subjects. Nasal airway temperature did not differ between the two study groups at any location in the nasal cavity. Nasal decongestion was without significant influence on temperature values in the patients and the volunteers. There was no significant difference of nasal airway temperature before and after sinus surgery. Even after sinus surgery the main area of heating of inspired air seemed to be the anterior part of the nose. Sinus surgery in patients with chronic sinus disease does not seem to influence heating of air in the nasal cavity.