Alae nasi activation and nasal resistance in healthy subjects

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Abstract
The effect of alae nasi (AN) activation on nasal resistance was investigated by monitoring AN electromyographic (EMG) activity in 17 healthy [human] subjects by using surface electrodes placed on either side of the external nares and measured inspiratory nasal resistance and utilizing the method of posterior rhinometry. With CO2 inhalation (6 subjects), AN EMG activity increased as nasal resistance fell 23 .+-. 5% (P < 0.01). In the same subjects, voluntary flaring of the external nares also increased AN EMG and decreased nasal resistance by 29 .+-. 5% (P < 0.01). Nasal resistance was altered by nasal flaring and CO2 inhalation even after administration of a topical nasal vasoconstrictive spray (8 subjects). In 6 subjects, voluntary nasal flaring or inhibition with the mouth closed produced a 21 .+-. 12% change (P < 0.01) in total airway resistance as measured by body plethysmography. Activation of the alae nasi will decrease nasal and total airway resistance during voluntary nasal flaring and during CO2 inhalation and thus should be considered in any studies of upper airway resistance.