Effects of phenylpropanolamine on ostial and nasal patency in patients treated for chronic maxillary sinusitis.

Ostial and nasal patency were measured in different body positions and after phenylpropanolamine (Ppa) treatment in 12 patients earlier treated for chronic unilateral maxillary sinusitis of varying severity. Six of the sinuses were of normal appearance on sinoscopy. Phenylpropanolamine in a single dose of 100 mg was found to increase the equivalent ostial diameter significantly in the sitting and recumbent positions. The drug also reduced the nasal airway resistance. The Ppa effect might be of benefit in patients treated for chronic maxillary sinusitis.