There is scientific evidence available to support the hypothesis of nitric oxide affecting athletic performance and reducing chronic sinusitis symptoms.
Chronic sinusitis is mostly caused by nasal allergies, nasal obstruction, nasal polyps or infections, according to Healthline. Nitric oxide is a colorless gas and is known as a “signaling molecule.” Its biological functions are vast, making it one of the most important molecules in the body, according to Wikipedia.
According to LVI Global, the effects of nitric oxide include anti-inflammatory properties, immune defense against viruses and parasitic organisms, hormonal effects, influence on the secretion of hormones, regulation of bladder function and protecting the skin from ionizing radiation.
“Unfortunately for chronic sinusitis sufferers, [it] has a big effect on multiple other body and organ systems,” Dr. Matt Hershcovitch of SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told California Business Daily. “Humans are obligate nasal breathers, and everything we breathe in is primarily through our nose. People with nasal obstruction or chronic sinusitis have more difficulty, but if you have diseased sinuses, the air you're breathing in is not being filtered appropriately. Diseases and bacteria in the sinuses go inward with the breath, causing lung problems. For those with severe obstructions, being forced to breathe through the mouth can lead to all sorts of other health problems.”
Chronic sinusitis corresponds with more than a 50% reduction in nasal nitric oxide levels. According to the journal Acta Oto-Laryngologica, evidence suggests that lack of nitric oxide may even contribute to the development of the disease.
In a Clinical and Experimental Allergy study of 82 patients, nitric oxide levels were significantly lower in patients with nasal polyps than those with uncomplicated allergic rhinitis.
Nitric oxide inhaled during nasal breathing improves blood oxygenation. So scientists believe there may be an effect on athletic performance.
In an assessment from the European Respiratory Journal, patients can naturally increase nitric oxide concentrations simply by humming. One study from the JAMA Network found that levels increased sevenfold during humming.
In one case report, chronic rhinosinusitis symptoms -- such as postnasal drip, facial or maxillary sinus pain, and inflammation of sinus -- were essentially eliminated in four days by using a humming regimen, possibly due to antifungal properties of nitric oxide.
To learn more about this article or to take a self sinus-assessment, visit SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.