Elimination of nasal obstruction improves pulmonary functions and oxygenation

Background Nasal obstruction is a significant medical problem. This study aimed to examine the effect of nasal obstruction and nasal packing on arterial blood gases and pulmonary function indices, and the impact of the elimination of nasal obstruction on preoperative values. Results The mean age of the study population was 26.6 +/- 10.1 years, males represented 50.8%. Spirometric indices showed statistically significant improvement (preoperative forced expiratory volume in 1st second 66.9 +/- 13.9 vs 79.6 +/- 14.9 postoperative and preoperative forced vital capacity 65.5 +/- 12.7 vs 80.4 +/- 13.8 postoperative). Oxygen saturation was significantly lower during nasal packing (95.6 +/- 1.6 preoperative vs 94.7 +/- 2.8 with nasal pack), and significant improvement (97.2 +/- 1.4) was observed after removal of the nasal pack. Nasal obstruction scores significantly improved. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that either simple nasal obstruction or nasal packing may cause hypoxemia and abnormalities in lung function tests. Hypoxemia was more evident with nasal packing.