METHODS: Medline and PubMed database searches were performed to retrieve literature relevant to the topic.
RESULTS: The primary mechanism producing the sensation of nasal patency is thought to be the activation of transient receptor potential melastatin family member 8 (\'TRPM8\'), a thermoreceptor that is activated by nasal mucosal cooling. Computational fluid dynamics studies have demonstrated that increased airflow and heat flux are correlated with better patient-reported outcome measure scores. Similarly, physical measurements of the nasal cavity using temperature probes have shown a correlation between lower nasal mucosal temperatures and better patient-reported outcome measure scores.
CONCLUSIONS: Nasal mucosal temperature change may be correlated with the perception of improved nasal patency. Future research should quantify the impact of mucosal cooling on the perception of nasal airway obstruction.