Tonic stimulation of the pharyngeal mucosa causes pain and a reversible increase of inflammatory mediators

To develop a model of the inflammatory component of non-infectious sore throat using tonic stimulation and quantification of inflammatory mediators in pharyngeal lavage fluid.Forty-five healthy volunteers.Cold dry air.Tonic stimulation of the pharynx was achieved using a constant stream of cold dry air to the back of the throat. Following optimization of stimulation conditions (phase 1), pharyngeal pain, irritation, and swallowing discomfort...