Vol. 18 Issue No. 1 March 2021 / Article


Nasal-pharyngeal mucociliary clearance time among healthy Nigerians: An update

Afolabi O.A
Department of ENT, University of Ilorin/University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin
droaafolabi@yahoo.com |+2348035727069

Shaibu SB

Segun-Busari S

Omokanye HK

Uche-Okonkwo K

Aremu SK

Samuel BO

Ehalaiye BF

Okpanachi NO

Abstract
Background: Nasal-Pharyngeal-Mucociliary-Clearance (NPMC) is the primary innate defence mechanism of upper airway. The aim of the study is to revalidate the use of saccharine for the assessment of the NPMC time based on age and sex among healthy Nigeriansand establish a reference value. Methodology: A prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study carried out at Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, over six-month period, following ethical approval. All participants were given information sheet and were then made to complete a modified version of the health questionnaire as well as a semi-structured questionnaire and nasal endoscopy done to determine the most patent nasal cavity. The saccharine test was carried out using standard technique described by Andersen et al in 1974. Using a stop watch, time of introduction and time of perception of taste was documented. All information was entered into IBM-SPSS Statistics version 24 software and analysed descriptively and results presented in tables and figures. Results: A total of 208 subjects filled out the modified respiratory health questionnaire and 201 were found fit. The age range was 10-65years (mean age of 29.79years) with 91 males and 110 Females. The duration of NPMC time ranged from 5-18 minutes with a mean NPMC time of 11.35minutes (SD=3.00±0.25minutes). The average NPMC time range was between 10-14 minutes for both gender with a P-value of 0.816 and chi square of 0.4084. The average duration NPMC time increased with age with 10-19 yrs with least average NPMC time of 10.43minutes, while 60-69yrs had an average of 14.50minutes with a α2 = 28.45 and a P-value of 0.000396. Conclusion: The minimum time for NPMC was 5minutes and the maximum time was 18 minutes with a mean NPMC duration of 11.35minutes. There was positive correlation between -the age and NPMC time and no correlation between gender and NPMC time.



Date Published

2024-03-11


How to cite

Afolabi OA, Shaibu SB, Segun-Busari S, Omokanye HK, Uche-Okonkwo K, Aremu SK, Samuel BO, Ehalaiye BF, Okpanachi NO. Nasal-pharyngeal mucociliary clearance time among healthy Nigerians: An update. Nig J Otorhinolaryngol 2021; 1(18): 24-27



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