Investigating nasal muco-ciliary clearance by scintigraphy

The velocity and the retention of the nasal muco-ciliary clearance is going to be investigated with a salt particle inhaler and a placebo by the method nasal scintigraphy.

The hypotheses is that nasal inhalation of salt particles enhance the nasal mucociliary clearance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• COPD patients (all severities in chronic, stable condition)
• Asthma patients (in stable condition without acute asthma symptoms)
• Healthy subjects, incl. smokers (no chronic nasal, upper or lower respiratory diseases)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age under 18 years
• Upper respiratory tract infection / cold within the last 3 weeks and at least 3 weeks must pass from the person has become well to the examination
• Allergic / non-allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Chronic sinusitis
• Acute respiratory tract infection in antibiotic therapy
• Applied salt inhalation within the past month
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Nuclear medical examination within the past month
• Cannot taste saccharin