Scientific evidence supports the hypothesis that nitric oxide can affect athletic performance and reduce 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.
Nitric oxide offers anti-inflammatory properties, immune defense against viruses and parasitic organisms, hormonal effects, influence on the secretion of hormones, regulation of bladder function and protection of the skin from ionizing radiation, according to LVI Global.
“Sinusitis, by definition, is inflammation of the sinuses. As inflammation of the sinuses becomes chronic, it makes it more challenging for sinuses to function optimally,” physician assistant Diana Ruiloba of Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told Arizona Business Daily. “Over time, chronic sinusitis can lead to a lack of functionality, which leads to persistent symptoms of nasal obstruction, facial pressure/pain and posterior nasal drainage. These persistent symptoms then begin to affect quality of life.”
Chronic sinusitis corresponds with more than a 50% reduction in nasal nitric oxide levels. According to Acta Oto-Laryngologica, evidence suggests that lack of nitric oxide may even contribute to the development of the disease.
In a study of 82 patients, nitric oxide levels were significantly lower in patients with nasal polyps than those with uncomplicated allergic rhinitis, according to Clinical and Experimental Allergy.
Train Right reports that nitric oxide inhaled during nasal breathing improves blood oxygenation, so this is thought to cause a positive effect on athletic performance.
In an assessment in Medical Hypotheses from the European Respiratory Journal, it was found that 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 sinus self-assessment, visit Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.