The effect of Ramadan fasting on nasal mucociliary activity and peak nasal inspiratory flow

Abstract

Purpose In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Ramadan fasting (RF) on nasal mucociliary clearance (MCC) and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF). Methods Sixty-two (41 male and 21 female) healthy subjects who stated that they would fast continuously during the month of Ramadan were included in this prospective study. Day 0 (baseline), 1st day (after one day of RF), and 29th (after 29 days of RF) nasal mucociliary clearance time (MCT) with saccharine test and PNIF values were determined. Subject weights (SW) were measured on Day 0 and Day 29. The obtained data were analyzed statistically. Results The mean of SW on day 0 was 78.53 +/- 10.95 kg, and the mean of SW on Day 29 was 78.69 +/- 10.87 kg. There was no significant difference in terms of SW (p = 0.251, p > 0.05). A significant difference was found between the MCT and PNIF values measured on different study days (p 0.05). The PNIF values for Day 29 were significantly higher than the values for other days (p < 0.05). The PNIF values on the first day were significantly higher than the baseline (p = 0.008, p < 0.05). Conclusion The present study showed that RF leads to MCT prolongation and PNIF increase. Ramadan fasting causes deterioration in nasal airway defense and improvement in nasal respiration.