Scientists at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, have found out the reason behind the sterlity of sinuses, and its advantage. Researchers report that epithelial cells lining these sinuses produce nitric oxide (NO) that is lethal to the bacteria invading the neighbouring nasal cavity. Acting as a vasodilator, NO travels in a diluted form from the nasal cavity into the lungs where it dilates blood vessels and thus enhances oxygen supply. Since patients on ventilators receive air directly from the trachea, they miss out on the NO being generated by their sinuses. The researchers have found that pumping patients with their own nasal air is better than the external administration of the gas.
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