Scientists have hypothesized that nitric acid inhaled during nasal breathing may have an effect on athletic performance. | Pixabay/Pexels
Scientists have hypothesized that nitric acid inhaled during nasal breathing may have an effect on athletic performance. | Pixabay/Pexels
New research on nitric oxide theorizes that it may have an effect on athletic performance, in addition to reducing chronic sinusitis symptoms in patients with breathing issues.
Chronic sinusitis is characterized by blockages within the nasal cavities often caused by nasal allergies, nasal obstruction, nasal polyps or infections, according to Healthline.
Nitric oxide is defined by Wikipedia as a colorless gas known as a “signaling molecule” that fills a number of important roles in our bodies. But now, scientists are beginning to understand a possible link between how much nitric oxide is present and its effect on nasal issues.
“There's been much said about the kind of combined airway when you talk about the respiratory mucosal tissue. What tends to affect the nose also affects the lungs,” Dr. Monty Trimble of Dallas Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told East Central Texas News.
A recent study published in the Acta oto-laryngologica found that chronic sinusitis corresponds with more than a 50% reduction in nasal nitric oxide levels, possibly suggesting that a lack of nitric oxide could contribute to the development of the disease. Out of all participants, 82 patients recorded nitric oxide levels that were significantly lower in patients with nasal polyps than those with uncomplicated allergic rhinitis.
Nitric oxide serves a number of different purposes, from anti-inflammatory properties including immune defense against viruses and parasitic organisms to its hormonal effects, influencing the secretion of hormones, in addition to simply regulating bladder function and protecting the skin from ionizing radiation. But a new theory hypothesized by Train Right suggests that nitric oxide inhaled during nasal breathing improves blood oxygenation and therefore can improve athletic performance.
For patients with low nitric oxide numbers and breathing issues, Medical Hypotheses reported finding that patients can naturally increase nitric oxide concentrations simply by humming.
To learn more about chronic sinusitis or to take a self-assessment, visit Dallas Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.
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