Scientific Rationale for the Use of Alpha-Adrenergic Agonists and Glucocorticoids in the Therapy of Pediatric Stridor

Table 2

Effects of αAR-agonists and glucocorticoids in upper airway breathing mechanics.

Treatment modality	Physiological effects
αAR-agonists	(i) Increased nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF)
	(ii) Decreased oropharyngeal resistance and collapsibility
	(iii) Decreased total respiratory resistance (𝑅𝑇)
	(iv) Decreased inspiratory and expiratory resistance (R AW0.5I and R AW0.5E)
	(v) Decreased work of breathing (WOB)
	(vi) Paradoxical nasal obstruction (vasomotor rebound)
	(vii) Rebound increase in total respiratory resistance (𝑅𝑇)
Glucocorticoids	(i) Increased nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF)
	(ii) Decreased nasal airway resistance (NAR)
	(iii) Increased nasal volume by acoustic rhinometry (AR)
	(iv) αAR-induced vasomotor rebound prevention (changes in PNIF, AR and NAR)