Table 2

Nasal nitric oxide (NO): effects of drugs, cigarette smoke and physical exercise

DrugAdministrationNasal NOReference
Glucocorticoids
 Healthy subjectsNasal instillationUnchanged 6
SystemicUnchanged 16
 Allergic rhinitisNasal instillationDecreased 35
NO synthase inhibitorsNasal instillationMinor decrease9,45
SystemicDecreased 46
L-arginineNasal sprayUnchanged 45
Nasal sprayIncreased 69
SystemicIncreased 16,44
Histamine, capcaisinNasal sprayUnchanged 45
Alpha-2 agonistsNasal sprayDecreased 37, 42, 45
Cigarette smokeDecreased 7,47
AntibioticsSystemicUnchanged 6
Physical exerciseDecreased 27–30