The effects of nasal anaesthesia upon nasal sensation of airflow

The effect of nasal anaesthesia upon the sensation of nasal airflow and activity of menthol was investigated in 25 subjects using a visual analogue scale. Nasal anaesthesia was shown to decrease the sensation of nasal airflow, and also decrease the action of menthol in enhancing the sensation of nasal airflow. These differences were shown to be highly significant p < 0.001. Physiological mechanisms responsible for conveying the subjective appreciation of a nasal airflow stimulus are discussed, and also the site and nature of the sensory nerve endings involved.