Key Points:
- Multiple factors determine normal nasal mucociliary clearance hence
there is a lot of variation in the normal mucociliary clearance based
on different ethnicity, gender and location.
- Effects of prolonged tracheostomy altering the airflow and leading to
mucociliary dysfunction, has not been extensively researched.
- Saccharin test is a quick, reliable and economical test for evaluation
of nasal mucociliary clearance time.
- Mucociliary dysfunction worsens as duration of tracheostomy increases
.
- With the improved survival of prolonged tracheostomy patients, they
need to be counselled and rehabilitated accordingly.