成年人鼻声反射与鼻阻力测量的正常参数

目的:研究正常成人鼻声反射(AR)及鼻阻力(RM)测量的正常值,以及它们之间的关系.方法:健康成人82例,采用AR检查,获得单侧鼻腔第一狭窄面积(UA1),第二狭窄面积(UA2),最小截面积(UMCA),0～5 cm、2～5 cm鼻腔容积(UV5、UV2～5).RM为通过前鼻主动测压法测量鼻压差为150 Pa 时的RM值,如鼻压差达不到150 Pa,则采用Broms(半径为200 Pa)的RM值表示,分别测量单侧吸气阻力(URins150、URins200)、单侧呼气阻力(URexp150、URexp200)及鼻气道总阻力(TRins150、TRins200、TRexp150、TRexp200),并对RM和AR测量结果进行相关性分析.结果:健康成年男女UA1分别为(0.63±0.14)、(0.60±0.14)cm2;UA2分别为(0.72±0.48)、(0.6±0.4)cm2;UMCA分别为(0.50±0.16)、(0.47±0.18)cm2;UV5分别为(5.68±1.73)、(5.16±1.85)cm3 ;UV2～5分别为(4.13±1.56)、(3.83±1.66)cm3.男女各参数值比较均差异无统计学意义(T值分别为0.093、0.134、0.392、0.408,均P>0.05).有25例鼻压差未达到150 Pa,采用Broms测量,URins150、URins200、URexp150、URexp200、TRins150、TRinst200、TRexp150、TRexp200结果分别为(0.86±0.96)、(0.45±0.61)、(0.83±0.71)、(0.52±0.88)、(0.38±0.34)、(0.18±0.24)、(0.38±0.27)、(0.19±0.24)Pa/(cm3·s).URins150、URexp150、TRins150、TRexp150与UMCA、UV5、UV2～5有显著相关性(均P<0.05).结论:RM与AR测量结果有一定相关性,可为临床提供鼻腔状态的客观参数.     

鼻阻力客观检查在评估鼻中隔及下鼻甲矫正手术疗效中的意义

目的 探讨鼻声反射测量法( acoustic rhinometry)及鼻阻力测压法(rhinomanometry,RM)这2种鼻阻力客观检查法在鼻中隔黏膜下成形术及下鼻甲黏骨膜下切除手术疗效中的应用价值以及手术前后患者主观症状与客观检查结果的相关性.方法 采用前瞻性研究设计,选取48例鼻中隔偏曲和(或)下鼻甲肥大的患者,共96侧鼻腔,依据患者病情行相应的鼻中隔黏膜下成形术和(或)下鼻甲黏骨膜下切除术.采用视觉模拟量表(visual analogous scale,VAS)对病变鼻腔进行鼻塞主观症状严重程度的评价,并应用鼻阻力测压法及鼻声反射测量法检查获取鼻吸气相有效阻力(inspiratory effective resistance,IER)、鼻呼气相有效阻力(expiratory effective resitance,EER)、0～5 cm鼻腔容积(0～5 cm nasal cavity volume,0～5 cm NCV)、鼻腔最小横截面积(nasal minimal crosssectional area,NMCA)及鼻腔最小横截面到前鼻孔的距离(distance of the minimal cross-sectional area to the nostril,DCAN)等空气动力学及鼻腔形态学资料,作为对鼻通气功能的评价指标.分别于术前及术后4周时采集资料.将术前及术后的检查数据进行配对t检验,然后用Spearman秩相关对手术前后的VAS评分与各客观检查结果进行相关性分析.结果 术前VAS、IER、EER、0～5 cm NCV、NMCA和DCAN平均((x)±s,下同)分别为(3.44±1.22)分、(0.66±0.27) kPa·s·L-1、(0.68±0.29) kPa· s·L-1、(3.98±1.30) cm3、(0.37±0.23)cm2和(2.42±0.34) cm,术后以上各指标分别为(1.20±0.80)分、(0.44±0.21) kPa· s· L-1、(0.46±0.23) kPa· s· L-1、(4.85±1.40) cm3、(0.53±0.44) cm2和(2.25±0.49)cm,手术前后比较,差异有统计学意义(t值分别为9.163、4.995、4.508、-4.204、- 2.203、2.924,P值均＜0.05).手术前后VAS与IER、EER、0 ～5 cm NCV呈相关趋势(r值分别为0.386、0.343、-0.307,P值均＜0.05).结论 鼻声反射和鼻阻力检查是客观评估鼻中隔黏膜下成形术及下鼻甲骨黏骨膜下切除术的良好指标,但手术前后患者主观症状与客观检查结果的相关性有待进一步研究.     

天津地区健康成年人鼻通气功能的客观评估

目的:建立天津地区健康成年人鼻声反射、鼻阻力、鼻呼吸量参数的参考值范围,分析年龄、性别及侧别对其的影响,探讨各测量值间的相关性,为天津地区健康成年人鼻通气功能检查提供诊断数据.方法:利用A1鼻声反射仪测量天津地区466例健康成年人的鼻腔最小截面积(MCA)、鼻腔最小截面积距前鼻孔距离(DCAN)、鼻腔0～5 cm容积(V5)、2～5 cm容积(V2～5);利用NR6鼻阻力仪测量受试者经鼻压差为150 Pa、75 Pa下及用broms测量的鼻腔单侧吸气阻力(IR)、呼气阻力(ER);通过计算得出双侧吸气总阻力(TIR)、双侧鼻腔呼气总阻力(TER)及左右鼻腔阻力差异比(Rlr);利用NV1鼻呼吸量仪测量单侧鼻腔吸气量、呼气量,通过计算得出鼻呼吸量差异比(NPR,包括吸气量差异比NRPi和呼气量差异比NRPe).实际测量下鼻甲前端至前鼻孔的距离(L),并与DCAN比较.对3种检查不同指标做相关性分析.结果:鼻声反射参数:MCA男为(0.45±0.16)cm2,女为(0.44±0.16)cm2;V2～5男为(3.52±1.38)cm3,女为(3.36±1.22)cm2;V5男为(5.10±1.47)cm3,女为(4.86±1.12)cm3;DCAN存在2个位置,男分别为(2.22±0.39)cm、(0.53±0.62)cm,女分别为(2.10±0.37)cm、(0.67±0.15)cm;L男为(2.48±0.36)cm,女为(2.1 5±0.26)cm.MCA、V5、V2～5在性别、侧别、年龄上均差异无统计学意义,DCAN在年龄、侧别上无差异,男女间差异有统计学意义.鼻阻力参数:经鼻压差在150 Pa、75 Pa、broms测量下IR、ER、TIR、TER在侧别及年龄上均差异无统计学意义,男女差异有统计学意义.鼻呼吸量参数:IC男为(2.06±1.10)L/20 s,女为(1.37±0.34)L/20 s;EC男为(2.15±1.23)L/20 s,女为(1.39±0.58)L/20 s;NPRi、NPRe分别为0.11[0.05,0.23]、0.11[0.05,0.19].IC、EC在侧别上无差异;在性别上有差异.NPR在性别、年龄上无差异.MCA与IR、ER呈负相关(r=-0.21、-0.22,均P<0.05),MCA与IC、EC间均存在正相关(r=0.12、0.17,均P<0.05),IR与IC、ER与EC间呈负相关(r=-0.10、-0.10,均P<0.05),Rlr与NPRi、NPRe均呈负相关(r=-0.19、-0.18,均P<0.05).结论:鼻声反射、鼻阻力、鼻呼吸量参数可以作为评估鼻通气功能的参考指标,三者结合参考价值更大.     

正常成年人鼻通气状态的客观评估

目的:获得我国正常成年人大样本鼻声反射和鼻阻力测量结果的正常值范围,分析性别、年龄对其的影响,并对2种检查结果之间的相关性进行研究.方法:利用Eccovision鼻声反射仪测量正常成年人鼻腔的最小截面积(MCA),0～5 cm、2～5 cm、0～7 cm鼻腔容积(V5、V2～5、V7);利用ATMOS 300鼻阻力计通过前鼻主动测压法测量压差为75 Pa和150 Pa时的单侧及双侧鼻腔阻力(R75,R150,R75T,R150T).结果:MCA男性为(0.66士0.18)cm2,女性为(0.57±0.16)cm2;V5男性为(5.35±1.40)cm3,女性为(4.50±1.19)cm3;V2～5男性为(3.53±1.23)cm3,女性为(3.09±1.08)cm3,V7男性为(9.26±2.73)cm3,女性为(8.04±2.40)cm3,男女之间均差异有统计学意义.R75男性为(0.66±0.34)Pa·cm-3·s-1,女性为(0.77±0.33)Pa·cm-3·s-1;男女之间差异有统计学意义;R150.男性为(0.51±0.22)Pa·cm-3·s-1,女性为(0.58±0.22)Pa·cm-1·s-1,男女之间差异无统计学意义.R757T男性为(0.30±0.12)Pa·cm-3·s-1,女性为(0.39±0.14)Pa·cm-3·s-1,二者之间差异有统计学意义;R150T男性为(0.24±0.09)Pa·cm-3·s-1,女性为(0.29±0.09)Pa·cm-3·s-1,二者之间差异无统计学意义.MCA、V5、R75与年龄之间有显著的相关性;R150与年龄之间无显著的相关性.R75、R150与MCA、V7、V5、V2～5之间均有显著的相关性.结论:我国正常成年人的鼻声反射和鼻阻力的测量结果之间具有一定的相关性,鼻阻力、鼻腔容积及最小截面积存在着性别和年龄差异,但不同侧别之间差异无统计学意义.     

鼻阻力测压与鼻声反射测量的相关性研究

目的探讨主动后鼻阻力测压仪的参数——鼻阻力(nasal resistance,NR)与鼻声反射测量仪的参数——鼻腔容积(nasal cavity volume,NV)、鼻腔最小横截面积(minimal cross sectional area,MCSA)间是否具有相关性。方法应用主动后鼻阻力测压法和鼻声反射测量法对316例有鼻阻塞的患者进行前瞻性研究。根据减充血前双侧鼻阻力(bilateral NR,BNR)将患者分为2组,组1:BNR减充血前≤0.25 Pa/cm~3·s,组2:BNR减充血前>0.25 Pa/cm~3·s。Spearman等级相关分析研究上述两种客观测量法的参数在全体研究对象及各组中的相关性。结果在使用减充血剂前、后,316例患者单侧鼻阻力(unilateral NR,UNR)与单侧鼻腔容积(unilateral NV,UNV)、单侧鼻腔最小横截面积(unilateral MCSA,UMCSA)间均存在显著性负相关(P值均=0.000);组1(104例)和组2(212例)在减充血前、后的UNR与UNV、UMCSA间均存在显著性负相关(P值均=0.000)。鼻阻力与鼻腔最小横截面积的相关系数均大于鼻阻力与鼻气道容积的相关系数。结论在有鼻阻塞的患者中,NR、NV及MCSA存在负相关,MCSA是影响NR的主要因素。     

主客观评估在功能性鼻整形术中的应用

目的探讨主客观评估方法在功能性鼻整形术中的应用。方法选择2017年1月至2018年10月在重庆医科大学附属第一医院耳鼻咽喉科接受功能性鼻整形术的患者64例,其中男性32例,女性32例,年龄18~45岁。在术前及术后6个月,分别应用视觉模拟量表(VAS)、鼻阻塞症状评估量表(NOSE)、鼻声反射、鼻阻力检测等评估鼻通气功能,应用VAS、鼻整形结果评估量表(ROE)、外鼻亚单位测量等评估鼻外形情况,应用情感平衡量表及Rosenberg自尊量表评估心理状态,最后行综合满意度分析及各指标间的相关性分析。采用SPSS 23.0软件进行统计学分析。结果与术前相比,术后患者鼻塞VAS、NOSE评分、鼻腔总阻力及鼻腔阻力差异比均显著下降[(1.62±0.85)分比(7.56±1.44)分,(22.62±3.54)分比(69.75±7.85)分,(0.16±0.08)Pa·s/ml比(0.31±0.43)Pa·s/ml,0.33±0.28比0.71±0.32,P值均<0.05];术后患者鼻外形VAS及ROE评分均显著升高[(11.20±3.66)分比(2.70±0.97)分,(17.80±2.71)分比(7.50±1.12)分,P值均<0.05];外鼻亚单位测量示术后鼻背坡长、鼻面角、鼻额角及鼻翼角明显缩小[(29.33±4.26)mm比(33.61±5.24)mm,(135.11±3.81)°比(139.91±6.30)°,(130.63±2.88)°比(136.74±5.72)°,(99.71±4.02)°比(106.27±5.60)°,P值均<0.05];术后情感平衡量表、Rosenberg自尊量表评分明显增高[(5.88±1.54)分比(4.31±1.85)分,(28.31±2.64)分比(22.13±2.77)分,P值均<0.05]。Pearson相关性分析显示,患者满意度与鼻通气主观评分(VAS、NOSE)、鼻外形主观评分(VAS、ROE)、情感平衡量表评分呈正相关,与鼻阻力测值呈负相关,与外鼻亚单位测值无相关性。鼻通气主观评分与鼻阻力测值呈显著正相关,但鼻外形主观评分与外鼻亚单位测值无相关性。结论用主客观结合的方式从鼻通气功能、鼻外观美学、心理状态多角度整体综合评估,可有效评价功能性鼻整形术的疗效。     

血管运动性鼻炎患者鼻通气功能的评估

目的 检测血管运动性鼻炎患者的鼻通气功能,分析其与主观症状的相关性,并与健康对照组进行比较.方法 选择血管运动性鼻炎患者105例,健康对照组成人71例.采用鼻阻力测量获得压力-流速曲线,进而得到75 Pa和150 Pa下鼻腔总阻力值.采用鼻声反射测量应用鼻用缩血管药物前后的面积-距离曲线,进而得到鼻腔最小横截面积,计算鼻腔充血指数.对比两组研究对象各项鼻阻力和鼻声反射测量指标,分析血管运动性鼻炎患者主观症状评分与鼻通气功能指标间的相关性.采用SPSS 16.0软件进行统计分析.结果 血管运动性鼻炎患者鼻阻力、鼻声反射指标与各种鼻部症状间的相关性分析均无统计学意义(P值均>0.05).收缩前后的鼻腔最小横截面积在两组间差异未见统计学意义(Z值分别为-1.541、-0.626,P值均>0.05);鼻腔充血指数在两组间差异有统计学意义(Z=-2.707,P<0.05).75 Pa下鼻总阻力值在两组间差异有统计学意义(Z=-4.334,P<0.05);150 Pa下鼻总阻力值在两组间差异无统计学意义(Z=-1.314,P>0.05).结论 血管运动性鼻炎患者主观症状与客观鼻生理功能检测结果 间无相关性,在诊疗过程中需全面综合评价患者的主观症状和客观检测结果 .     

结构性鼻炎患者鼻通气功能的主客观评估

目的对结构性鼻炎患者进行术前鼻通气的主客观评估,为手术提供临床依据。方法结构性鼻炎患者56例,收缩鼻腔前后分别进行鼻堵视觉模拟量表(visualanalogue scale,VAS)评分并分为两组:组1,30例,VAS评分>7;组2,26例,VAS评分<7。组3,正常对照组,24例,VAS评分=0。3组分别进行鼻声反射和鼻阻力测量。记录两侧鼻腔前2个最小截面积(minimum cross-sectional area of nasal cavity,MCA1)、MCA2及其距离前鼻孔距离(the distance between the nostril to minimumcross-sectional area,MD1)、MD2,并分别记算两侧的比值;测量距离前鼻孔5 cm、2～5 cm、5～7 cm的两侧鼻腔容积(nasal volume,V5)、V2-5、V5-7并分别记算两侧的比值;测量双侧鼻腔总阻力(nasal resistance total,RT),计算双侧鼻腔阻力差异比(Rlr)。取收缩鼻腔后数值进行统计学检验。结果 3组MCA1、MD1、MCA2、MD2和RT值均无统计学差异;3组间各比值,除MD1、V5-7差异无统计学意义外,其余比值差异均存在统计学意义;组1测量结果较组2或组3有明显差异,结构异常也更加明显。结论鼻堵严重程度与两侧鼻腔结构异常程度有一定关联;鼻堵VAS评分、鼻声反射和鼻阻力测量应作为结构性鼻炎术前评估的常规手段。     

鼻中隔成形术对鼻气道阻力的影响

目的 观察鼻中隔成形术对鼻气道阻力的影响. 方法 应用主动性前鼻测压法,测定51例鼻中隔偏曲患者,行鼻中隔成形术前后鼻气道阻力和主观鼻开放感觉评分情况.结果 51例患者术前鼻气道阻力是(0.666±0.21)KPa/(s·L);术后3个月为(0.302±0.16)KPa/(s·L),12个月为(0.397+0.24)KPa/(s.L);术后3个月和12个月分别与术前比较,差异有统计学意义(均P＜0.01).术前主观鼻开放感觉评分为7.5±1.5,术后3个月为2.0+2.0,10个月为3.0+2.5,术后3个月和12个月分别与术前比较,差异亦有统计学意义(均P＜0.01). 结论 鼻中隔成形术可显著性地降低患者的鼻气道阻力,同时可明显地改善患者的主观鼻开放感觉.     

鼻测压法对鼻咽部常见手术疗效的评价

鼻气道阻力(nasal airway resistence,NAR)是鼻呼吸生理的重要组成部分。测定鼻气道阻力可为研究鼻腔生理、咽腭功能、药物对鼻腔的作用以及检验鼻腔及鼻咽手术的效果,提供客观指标。Zwardemaber于1889年首次报道了用冷镜法测量鼻开放的方法,此后,有许多测量鼻开放的方法相继问     

鼻声反射与鼻阻力检查在原发性萎缩性鼻炎诊断中的应用

目的探讨鼻声反射和鼻阻力检查在原发性萎缩性鼻炎患者诊断中的应用价值。方法31例实验者中选取25例正常成年受试者为对照组,6例原发性萎缩性鼻炎患者为实验组,分别行鼻声反射(acoustic rhinometry,AR)和鼻阻力(rhinomanometry,RM)测量,获得单侧鼻腔第1狭窄面积、单侧鼻腔第2狭窄面积、单侧鼻腔最小截面积、单侧及总的0～5 cm和2～5 cm鼻腔容积(UV5、UV2～5、TV5、TV2～5)、单侧吸气阻力、单侧呼气阻力及鼻气道总阻力参数,比较两组间的差异并进行相关性分析。结果实验组单侧鼻腔第1狭窄面积明显小于对照组(T=9.189,P<0.05),其余各参数差异无统计学意义。结论鼻阻力与鼻声反射检查可为原发性萎缩性鼻炎的诊断和治疗提供客观参数。     

上海市崇明地区成年人鼻阻力和鼻声反射的初步研究

目的 通过对上海市崇明地区健康成年人鼻通气功能的客观测定,建立崇明地区健康成年人鼻阻力(RM)、鼻声反射(AR)等参数的正常参考值范围,并初步分析两者相关性.方法 采用NR6鼻阻力计采集受试者经鼻压差为150Pa下前端测量的单侧鼻腔吸气阻力(Ri)、呼气阻力(Re)等数据,通过计算机软件计算后得出单侧总阻力(RI)、双...     

Correlation between nasal obstruction symptoms and objective parameters of acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry

Acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry have been used to assess nasal airway patency objectively. We compared nasal obstruction symptoms before and after decongestion with several parameters of these objective tests. The patients assessed their nasal obstruction using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Cross-sectional areas and nasal resistance were measured by acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry before and after topical application of 1% phenylephrine solution in 32 patients with nasal obstruction symptoms. There was no significant correlation between the difference in the VAS and the difference in nasal resistance. There was also no significant correlation between the difference in the VAS and minimal cross-sectional area and cross-sectional areas at 3.3 cm (CA3.3), CA4.0 and CA6.4 from the nosepiece both in the wide and narrow sides and in both nasal cavities before and after nasal decongestion. It is concluded that rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry may have no diagnostic value in estimating the severity of nasal obstruction symptoms.     

Correlation between rhinometric measurement methods in healthy young adults

The most common rhinometric measurement methods used in modern rhinology are acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry, and nasal peak expiratory flow (PEF) rate. In this prospective study, we wanted to clarifiy whether the parameters given by these three methods in the same subject support each other and can be used simultaneously in clinical practice. We also wanted to define the dimensions of normal nasal geometry and function based on these three methods. The rhinometric measurements were done in 249 healthy white subjects consisting of 171 women and 78 men. The geometry was analyzed with regard to body mass index (BMI) and smoking habits. The result could he used as some kind of reference value for the same kind of patient cohort as when rhinological pathology is investigated. The measurements obtained by acoustic rhinometry showed only statistically significant correlations between the measured volume and minimal cross-sectional area in the nasal cavities (r = 0.959). Rhinomanometry showed only a statistically significant correlation between the measured resistance in expiration and inspiration (r = 0.977). Acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry, and nasal PEF did not show any correlations and the BMI did not have any effect on the results. Although the smoking group was relatively small in this cohort, the rhinometric methods showed smaller nasal cavity volume, higher resistance, and lower nasal PEF values. Based on these results, we recommend the use of these three rhinometric methods as independent instruments in rhinological examinations. However, in the pathological nose, e.g., smokers, the methods show equal changes in measurements. It is important to measure at least acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry at the same time in clinical practice to achieve good quality of examinations.     

Objective evidence for the efficacy of surgical management of the deviated septum as a treatment for chronic nasal obstruction: a systematic review

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2011, 36 , 106–113 Background: Nasal septal surgery is a common procedure, but there are concerns that the benefits of this surgery are mainly cosmetic. Objective of review: The primary aim is to identify any functional benefits of septal surgery and provide any evidence of a change in patency of the nasal airway, as assessed by objective methods such as rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry and peak nasal inspiratory flow. Type of review: Systematic review. Search strategy: A systematic search of the available literature was performed, using Pubmed, Medline (1950–November 2010), Embase (1947–November 2010) and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Papers written in English that objectively compared pre‐ and post‐surgical treatment of nasal obstruction in adults because of septal deviation were reviewed. Objective measurements of rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry and nasal peak inspiratory flow were specified within the search. Searches were restricted to surgery on the nasal septum, which included septoplasty, submucous resection and septal (deviation) corrective surgery. Results: Seven studies (460 participants) involving rhinomanometry, six studies (182 participants) with acoustic rhinometry and one study (22 participants) using nasal peak inspiratory flow were included in the review. All the studies reported an objective improvement in nasal patency after septal surgery. Mean unilateral nasal resistance (data from six studies) decreased from preoperative 1.19 Pa/cm³/s to postoperative 0.39 Pa/cm³/s, mean minimum cross‐sectional area (data from five studies) increased from preoperative 0.45 cm² to postoperative 0.61 cm², median peak nasal inspiratory flow (data from one study) increased by 35 L/min after surgery. Conclusions: There is sufficient evidence in the literature to conclude that septal surgery improves objective measures of nasal patency and that improved nasal airflow may have beneficial effects for the patient.     

Acoustic rhinometry compared with anterior rhinomanometry in the assessment of the response to nasal allergen challenge

Acoustic rhinometry was used to assess nasal airway patency objectively and was compared with the more established method of anterior rhinomanometry. Ten patients with allergic rhinitis underwent 15 nasal challenges with allergen to which they showed positive skin-prick tests. Responses were assessed by measuring the minimum nasal cross-sectional area (Amin.) using acoustic rhinometry and by measuring nasal airway resistance (NAR) using anterior rhinomanometry. The measurements of Amin. and NAR showed a significant negative correlation. Acoustic rhinometry appears to be superior to anterior rhinomanometry in quantifying the response to nasal allergen challenge and may be particularly useful in patients with initial nasal blockage.     

Acoustic rhinometry in nasal provocation test in perennial allergic rhinitis

Acoustic rhinometry is one method to evaluate nasal geometry by an acoustic reflection technique. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in acoustic rhinometry after nasal provocation in patients with exclusively perennial allergic rhinitis. In 19 patients, acoustic rhinometry and active anterior rhinomanometry were performed before and after nasal provocation test. There was a statistically significant nasal flow reduction measured by active anterior rhinomanometry after nasal provocation (p < 0.05) and a median symptom score of four points, both indicating a positive response to nasal provocation. On the other hand, there was no statistically significant change in the values of acoustic rhinometry after nasal provocation (p > 0.05). In patients with exclusively perennial allergic rhinitis, acoustic rhinometry does not seem to significantly change after nasal provocation. In contrast, active anterior rhinomanometry values decreased significantly after nasal provocation. The presented results indicate that acoustic rhinometry does not seem to be a diagnostic method superior to active anterior rhinomanometry in this context.     

The role of rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, and mucociliary transport time in the assessment of nasal patency

We conducted a study of 60 patients with different nasal pathologies who complained of nasal obstruction. Our goal was to evaluate the reliability of rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, and the measurement of mucociliary transport time in helping make the diagnosis of nasal pathologies. We also sought to discover whether there is a correlation between the findings of these objective tests and the results of patients' own subjective assessments of nasal obstruction. We found that acoustic rhinometry was more specific and more sensitive than rhinomanometry in diagnosing rhinopathies in patients with structural anomalies. Symptom scores as rated by patients on the visual analog scale frequently did not correlate with objective measures, as patients often overestimated the severity of their obstruction. However, for a few patients, there was a correlation between symptom scores and mucociliary transport times.     

Assessment of Cottle's areas through the application of a mathematical model deriving from acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometric data

Objectives: Each nasal area, as defined by Cottle, has a different influence on the nasal airflow. The longitudinal distribution of resistances in nasal cavities was calculated by the anterior rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry data. Design: Dynamic study of Cottle's areas in normal subjects was carried out by rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry. Setting: Study by the Department of Otolaryngology of the University of Rome‐La Sapienza. Participants: Twenty‐seven Caucasian adults in local and general healthy conditions took part and completed this study, with a total of 54 nasal cavities included because of negativity at ENT‐examination and clinical history, with normal respiratory parameters at the rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry. Main outcome measures: We determined nasal and acoustic resistances, nasal volumes and cross‐sectional surface areas, as defined by Cottle, using nasal endoscopy. The longitudinal distribution of nasal resistances was obtained by integrating experimental surface areas using a novel mathematical model. The estimation of the longitudinal nasal resistance variations as a result of a theoretical reduction of the surface areas. Results: The reduction of the 2–3–1 areas (in this order of importance) showed the greatest influence on the nasal resistances with coefficients of determinations greater than 0.98, this being quite different from that of the areas 4 and 5 for quite smaller area reduction percentages. Conclusions: The areas 2–3–1 control the overall nasal resistance so the surgical procedures on these areas greatly influence the dynamics of nasal airflow. The mathematical model developed here gives useful information to nasal functional surgery and may be applied to other schemes of nasal cavity.