Every time we hear something related to the respiratory system, or to its pathologies, two gases quickly come to mind: oxygen and carbon dioxide, and we immediately begin to speculate which of the two gases might be causing a problem.
But are we truly aware of the importance of this “super gas,” discovered in 1970, which later earned a Nobel Prize for Robert Furchgott?
Nitric oxide is a liposoluble gaseous molecule that in the brain acts as a neurotransmitter. This molecule is generated in the respiratory tract, mainly in the upper airway, and more specifically in the paranasal sinuses, where it is found in higher concentrations.
I could tell you about its different functions within our body: the reduction of inflammation and blood coagulation, the improvement of immune system performance in defending against bacteria and combating cancer, the increase in sensory recognition (for example, smell), resistance, strength and muscle development, the positive effect on gastric motility, and the improvement of sleep quality and memory.
However, I prefer that we focus more specifically on the respiratory field:
- Eliminating microbes
- Positively regulating ciliary beating
- Mucociliary clearance
- Improvement of oxygen absorption
- Optimization of blood flow in the lungs
- Improvement of oxygenation
- Clinical evaluation of respiratory diseases.
Knowing already how a deficiency in sinus development or their obstruction significantly impairs these functions that I have mentioned, it is of vital importance that we understand that the entry of air is the gateway to respiratory health, that our vision as respiratory physiotherapists goes far beyond a lung, and above all that we can achieve great things through manual therapy and the understanding of systems.
Are you going to remember it now?
In the meantime, I will give you a trick so that you yourself can improve its production:
EXHALE MAKING A BUZZING SOUND LIKE A BEE
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