The role of acoustic rhinometry in the evaluation of the volume of nasopharynx before and after adenoidectomy]

OBJECTIVE: To determine the type of acoustic rhinometry curve in different kinds of nasal and nasopharyngeal diseases and the role of acoustic rhinometry in the evaluation of the changes of the volume of nasopharynx before and after adenoidectomy. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-one patients with nasal and nasopharyngeal diseases, including rhinitis, nasal polyps, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, palatoschisis, atrophic rhinitis, adenoid vegetation, perforation of nasal septum, carcinoma of nasopharynx, and stricture of nasal limen, were measured with acoustic rhinometry. Meanwhile, 15 patients with adenoid vegetation were measured before and after adenoidectomy, the changes in volume recorded by acoustic rhinometry were compared with the adenoid volume obtained by the method of displacement. RESULTS: Acoustic rhinometry curve can be divided into normal and abnormal curves and the abnormal curves can be divided into four types according to the site of changes. Acoustic rhinometry curve altered with the changes in character, degree and site of nasal and nasopharyngeal diseases and could return to normal after surgery or medical treatment. The volume of nasopharynx of adenoid vegetation patients was significantly smaller than that of the normal control and it rose significantly and became closed to normal after adenoidectomy. The volume of adenoid and the calculated changes in volume of the nasopharynx was found to be interrelated and highly significant(r = 0.87, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that acoustic rhinometry curve is a useful method in the assistant diagnosis and judgment of therapeutic effectiveness of many kinds of nasal and nasopharyngeal diseases and can provide reference for the evaluation of the volume of adenoids.     

Effectiveness of tonsillectomy, evaluated by acoustic rhinometry

Hypertrophy adenoid commonest cause of nasal obstruction in paediatrics. The morbility can be try alteration in the respiratory physiology, as well as in the face development and function of the middle ear. We used the acoustic rhinometry to evaluate the surgical results of the adenoidectomy in children with hypertrophy adenoid, compiling the data on their clinic, and correlating them as well with the rhinometric results. The acoustic rhinometry is a relatively new method of exploration of the nasal cavity. We obtain space measures that are going to allow to us to prove it. These measures are the cross-sectional areas and volumes registered in the nasal cavity when this cavity is divided longitudinally in two zones, the previous one until 32 mm measured from the narina, and the later one to 64 mm from the same point. For this study we have taken 45 patients with hypertrophied adenoids. We have made measurements pre and post surgery. Our results show a clear gain in areas as in volumes after surgery and also show the utility of the acoustic rhinometry like method of exploration at the time of quantifying the morphometric alterations of the nasal cavity.     

鼻声反射和鼻腔测压评价鼻中隔矫正术对双侧鼻腔的影响

目的：评价鼻中隔矫正术对双侧鼻腔的影响。方法：用鼻声反射和前鼻主动测压法对22例鼻中隔矫正术患者分别于术前和术后进行测试,其中3例行双下甲成形术,1例由于单侧鼻腔完全阻塞术前未能测出鼻声反射和鼻阻力数值,2例宽敞侧鼻腔行右下甲成形术,予以排除。最后纳入实验组狭窄侧鼻腔18侧,宽敞侧鼻腔16侧。记录鼻腔最小横截面积（NMCA）、NMCA至前鼻孔的距离（DCAN）、0～5cm鼻腔容积（NCV）和鼻阻力,进行统计学分析。结果：前鼻测压结果：偏曲侧鼻腔的吸气有效阻力术后比术前有明显下降（P〈0．05）,而宽敞侧吸气有效阻力术后较术前下降,但差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。鼻声反射结果：偏曲侧鼻腔收缩前,0～5cm NCV和NMCA术后比术前明显增大,DCAN明显前移,3项指标均显示差异有统计学意义（均P〈0．01）。宽敞侧鼻腔收缩前,0～5cm NCV术后比术前轻微增大,术后NMCA较术前轻微减小,DCAN较术前后移,3项指标的差异均无统计学意义（均P〉0．05）。收缩后,0～5cm NCV术后比术前增大,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;术后NMCA较术前轻微减小,差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论：鼻中隔矫正术对偏曲侧鼻腔的功能和几何形态有明显改善,对侧宽敞侧鼻腔的通气功能和几何形态无明显恶化。     

鼻用类固醇治疗儿童变应性鼻炎伴腺样体肥大疗效分析

目的 探讨儿童变应性鼻炎(AR)与腺样体肥大的关系, 评价鼻用类固醇治疗儿童变应性鼻炎伴腺样体肥大的疗效。方法 对照组为单纯腺样体生长儿童261例, 其中腺样体肥大190例(72.7%)。观察组为变应性鼻炎伴腺样体生长儿童162例, 其中腺样体肥大110例(67.2%)。两组均给予鼻用类固醇(丙酸氟替卡松喷剂)持续喷鼻3个月后于鼻内镜下复查。结果 对照组并发腺样体肥大构成比为72.7%,观察组并发腺样体肥大构成比为67.2%, 差异无统计学意义(χ²=1.16, P>0.05)。对照组采用鼻用类固醇治疗后有效腺样体体积减少112例(58.9%),观察组有效腺样体体积减小89例(80.9%)(χ²=19.04, P<0.01)。结论 经鼻用类固醇治疗, 变应性鼻炎伴腺样体肥大患儿腺样体体积减小程度较单纯腺样体肥大患儿明显。对变应性鼻炎合并腺样体肥大者可优先考虑应用鼻用类固醇激素。     

Effect of intranasal triamcinolone acetonide on bronchial hyper-responsiveness in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis and comparison of perceptional nasal obstruction with acoustic rhinometric assessment

OBJECTIVE: Many patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) have bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR), and seasonal variation of BHR has been demonstrated in these patients. We aimed to investigate how BHR in children with seasonal AR is modified by triamcinolone acetonide aqueous nasal spray (TANS) therapy during the pollen season. A secondary aim was to assess the efficacy of TANS on nasal congestion by acoustic rhinometry and symptom scores. METHODS: A total of 34 children aged 7-18 years with grass pollen-induced AR and 18 age and sex-matched healthy controls were included in study. The patients were divided into the following two subgroups: 22 patients who had AR only; and 12 patients who had AR and asthma. All of them had a baseline BHR (PC20FEV1 methacholine < 8mg/ml). All patients received 220 microg TANS once daily for 4 weeks following a 1-week run-in period. Nasal patency was measured by acoustic rhinometry and patients recorded their nasal obstruction scores in a diary. RESULTS: There was no significant difference at baseline pulmonary function test parameters between the patients and the healthy control children. None of the control subjects had BHR. Asthmatic children with AR had significantly reduced baseline PC20FEV1 when compared with the AR only group [mean +/- S.E.M., (1.60 +/- 0.57 mg/ml versus 2.93 +/- 0.42 mg/ml, P = 0.021)]. The mean PC20FEV1 values increased slightly at the end of treatment in both group (from 1.60 +/- 0.57 mg/ml to 3.25 +/- 1.11 and from 2.93 +/- 0.42 mg/ml to 3.93 +/- 1.41 mg/ml), but the change was not statistically significant. TANS produced substantial symptomatic recovery in nasal obstruction according to patients' daily diary assessments, and significantly improved all objective acoustic rhinometry parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Once-daily intranasal TANS 220 microg effectively controlled nasal obstruction in children with seasonal AR according to subjective and objective assessments, and blocked the increase in BHR to methacholine after high-load natural pollen exposure. There was no correlation between patients' own subjective assessment of nasal obstruction and objective acoustic rhinometric assessment.     

The influence of birch pollination on the adenoid size in children with intermittent allergic rhinitis

INTRODUCTION: Allergic sensitization of the airways occurs not only in the mucosa of the shock organ, but also in the lymphatic stations draining these structures. The lymphatic structure closest to the nasal mucosa in humans is the adenoid. Many researches show that in part of children allergic rhinitis can be a risk factor for adenoid hypertrophy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used acoustic rhinometry and endoscopy to evaluate the influence of the birch pollination on the adenoid size in 67 children between 5 and 12 years old. Four separate groups of children were examined. The study group consisted of 28 children hypersensitive to tree pollen with seasonal allergic rhinitis (interview, positive skin prick test results, presence of sIgE in the serum and positive nasal provocation test with birch pollen allergens). The first control group consisted of 14 atopic children hypersensitive to motherwort pollen. The second control group consisted of 15 non-atopic children. The third control group consisted of 10 children hypersensitive to tree pollen, they have got anti-allergic treatment (topical nasal steroid and antihistaminic) a week before birch pollination. In all of the groups the adenoid size was examined before, during and after birch pollination. In the study group, we examined the influence of specific nasal provocation test on the adenoid size too. RESULTS: In most children from the study group (71.4%) we observed the significant increase of adenoid size in endoscopic examination and decrease of nasopharyngeal cavity volume in acoustics rhinometry (92.9%) during the birch pollination. The changes returned after pollination period in most children (90%). In the first and the second control group there were almost no changes observed (p>0.05). The medical treatment used in the third control group avoided the increase of adenoid size during birch pollination season. In the study group there was no statistically significant correlation between the changes in nasopharyngeal volume during the pollination period and the results of nasal provocation test (r=0.18). CONCLUSION: The result of our study suggests that in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis the exposure on the allergenic factor can influence the adenoid size. Properly administered nasal glucocorticoid together with antihistaminic in standard doses can probably avoid this effect.     

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。     

腺样体肥大所致鼻气道阻塞对儿童颅面发育的影响

目的探讨腺样体肥大所致鼻呼吸阻塞对儿童颅面发育的影响。方法对30例腺样体肥大儿童（腺样体肥大组）和27例正常儿童（正常儿童组）分别进行声反射鼻测量和X线头颅测量。结果腺样体肥大组鼻咽腔容积为（15.49±6.59）cm3,较正常儿童组（20.78±4.91）cm减小,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）;腺样体肥大组鼻气道阻力为（5.58±3.28）cmH2O/Lmin,较正常儿童组（2.28±1.30）cmH2O/Lmin增大,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。X线头颅测量显示腺样体肥大组儿童面部形态呈明显的垂直向生长,下颌后缩,下颌角变大,其中前下面高为（68.32±6.66）mm,较正常儿童组（62.09±6.30）mm增大,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）;面高比例为0.7±0.08,较正常儿童组0.77±0.11减小,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论腺样体肥大可致鼻阻力增大和鼻咽腔容积减小;鼻气道阻塞可明显影响儿童颅面发育。     

鼻声反射和鼻阻力检查在鼻内镜下低温等离子射频消融术疗效评价中的临床意义

目的：探讨鼻声反射和鼻阻力（NR）检查作为鼻通气功能的客观检查方法,在鼻内镜下低温等离子射频消融术疗效评价中的临床意义。方法：应用鼻声反射仪和鼻阻力计对以持续性鼻阻塞为主要症状,经正规药物治疗后效果不明显或无效的106例（治疗组）中重度慢性鼻炎患者,于鼻内镜下低温等离子射频消融术前及术后6个月,分别在鼻黏膜收缩前和收缩后,进行鼻声反射及NR检查,记录NR、鼻腔最小横截面积（NMCA）、鼻腔最小横截面积距前鼻孔的距离（DCAN）、鼻腔平均横截面积（MNCA）及鼻腔容积（NCV）。另以36例健康人作为对照组,同样在鼻黏膜收缩前和收缩后,进行鼻声反射及NR检查,应用SAS6．12软件对2组数据进行统计学分析。结合患者的主观症状及视觉模拟量表（VAS）评分,对低温等离子射频消融术疗效进行评价。结果：术前治疗组NR明显高于对照组,NMCA明显低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义（均P〈0．01）。低温等离子射频消融术后治疗组有效率为100％,术后VAS评分均较术前降低,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。治疗组术后NR较术前明显降低,NMCA较术前明显增大,差异有统计学意义（P％0．01）。同组内鼻黏膜收缩前和收缩后,NR和NMCA差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。治疗组术后NR和NMCA与对照组之间差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论：鼻内镜下低温等离子射频消融术对于中重度慢性鼻炎患者鼻通气功能的改善有显著疗效,鼻声反射和NR检杏能客观准确地评价低温等离子射频消融术的疗效。     

Proposed diagnostic standard using visual analogue scale and acoustic rhinometry in nasal provocation test in allergic patients

Objective

The authors aimed to analyze symptom change after nasal provocation and acoustic rhinometry results of a larger number of allergic rhinitis patients and also aimed to propose a new diagnostic threshold by investigating the difference between patients with allergic and non-allergic perennial rhinitis.

Methods

The authors checked symptom change and performed acoustic rhinometry before and after nasal provocation in 208 patients (114 males and 94 females, 19-58 years old) with allergic rhinitis and 222 patients (116 males and 106 females, 20-74 years old) clinically diagnosed with non-allergic perennial rhinitis (control group). Then the authors compared VAS (visual analogue scale), TNV (total nasal volume), MCA (minimal cross-sectional area), length of MCA and change of these values between allergic patients group and control group, to propose the new diagnostic standard.

Results

The change of symptom score and number of sneezing after nasal provocation were significantly different between allergic patient and control group. The basal TNV, MCA, length of MCA, and changes of these values were also significantly different. By drawing the ROC (receiver operator characteristic) curve and evaluating the sensitivity and specificity for each criteria, we could set the diagnostic criteria as follows: (1) symptom change: more than 2 points in the case of nasal obstruction and more than 1 point for the case of rhinorrhea or itching, (2) more than 24.5% change of the TNV, and (3) more than 20% change of the MCA.

Conclusion

VAS change and acoustic rhinometry in nasal provocation test could be a valuable tool in diagnosing allergic rhinitis with high sensitivity and specificity.     

Correlation between nasal resistance and different acoustic rhinometry parameters in children and adolescents with and without allergic rhinitis

Acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry are important tests used to assess nasal function. The degree to which the parameters of these tests are correlated is yet to be established.ObjectiveThis paper aimed to study the correlations between nasal resistance (NR) and acoustic rhinometry parameters in children and adolescents with allergic rhinitis and controls.MethodTwenty patients with allergic rhinitis and 20 controls were enrolled. NR, volumes (V4, V5, V2-5), and minimal cross-sectional areas (MC1, MC2) were measured in three moments: baseline, after induction of nasal obstruction and after topical decongestant administration.ResultsPatients with allergic rhinitis had significant correlation between NR and all volumes (V5: r = -0.60) and with MC2. Among controls, MC1 was the parameter with the strongest correlation with NR at baseline (r = -0.53) and after decongestant administration. In the combined analysis, V5 had the highest correlation coefficients at baseline (r = -0.53), after obstruction (r = -0.58) and after decongestant (r = -0.46).ConclusionsOur data showed that NR and acoustic rhinometry parameters have negative and significant correlations. Nasal volumes are, in general, better correlated than minimal cross-sectional areas. V5 was the parameter with the highest correlation in the rhinitis group and in the combined analysis.     

How can hyperreactive rhinopathy be modified surgically? II: Acoustic rhinometry and anterior turbinoplasty

By means of the acoustic reflection technique, or acoustic rhinometry, all cross-sectional areas of the upper airway can be measured by an acoustic signal. In this paper, the normal mean curve of 134 normal probands is determined. This normal curve shows the minimum cross-sectional area (I-notch) to be located at the Isthmus nasi. The second narrowest segment of the nasal cavity is located at the head of the inferior concha (C-notch). In patients with turbinate hypertrophy due to allergic or vasomotor rhinitis the minimum cross-sectional area is sited at the head of the inferior turbinate. Furthermore, acoustic rhinometry allows the exact size and location of the congested mucosa to be determined following provocation with allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis. Acoustic rhinometry could further demonstrate why nasal breathing in patients with turbinate hypertrophy improves in the long term after anterior turbinoplasty: in this operation the narrow cross-sectional areas at the head of the inferior turbinate are enlarged. Acoustic rhinometry not only allows the location and size of the various deviations of the nasal structures to be distinguished from normal (valve stenosis, septal deviation, turbinate hypertrophy, tumor masses), but also allows an exact demonstration of the efficacy of rhinosurgical techniques.     

Nasal histamine reactivity in woodwork teachers

Woodworkers exposed to wood dust have an increased frequency of rhinitis. We have previously reported such rhinitis in woodwork teachers. To test whether their nasal complaints are related to nasal hyper-reactivity, we selected 14 woodwork teachers with work-related rhinitis and 14 healthy and non-allergic control persons for nasal histamine challenge using symptom scores (0-3 scale) and acoustic rhinometry for effect evaluation. Intranasal saline followed by doubled concentrations of histamine phosphate (from 0.062 to 16 mg/ml) was given at five-minute intervals. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding symptom scores or acoustic rhinometry during the challenge. The results indicate that nasal hyperreactivity is not a prominent factor in wood-dust-related rhinitis. Other mechanisms probably prompt the nasal complaints.     

声反射鼻测量计在鼻畸形患者中的应用

目的研究声反射鼻测量计在鼻畸形患者术前评价中的应用价值。方法因鼻病引起鼻畸形患者（鼻畸形组）及无鼻病健康志愿者（对照组）各15例进行声反射鼻测量计测试,记录鼻腔最小横截面积（nasal minimal cross-sectional area,NMCA）、鼻腔容积（nasal cavity volume,NCV）,NMCA至前鼻孔的距离（distance of the minimal cross-sectional area to the nostril,DCAN）及鼻阻力（nasal resistance,NR）,并进行统计学分析。结果对照组左、右侧鼻腔NMCA、DCAN、NCV、NR差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05）：鼻畸形组阻塞侧与非阻塞侧NMCA、DCAN、NCV、NR差异有统计学意义（P〈0．001）：鼻畸形组阻塞侧NCV、NR、NMCA均明显小于对照组（P〈0．001）;NMCA和NCV与NR呈反比,而与DGAN无明显相关性（P〉0．05）。结论声反射鼻测量计在鼻畸形患者术前评价中具有重要作用,对鼻畸形患者鼻腔功能及几何形态的评估可为手术提供重要的临床价值。     

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.     

Submucosal bipolar radiofrequency thermal ablation of inferior turbinates: a long-term follow-up with subjective and objective assessment

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and morbidity of bipolar radiofrequency thermal ablation of the inferior turbinates in patients with nasal obstruction caused by turbinate hypertrophy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized study and outpatient treatment. METHODS: Twenty patients (age range, 23-77 y; median age, 52 y) enrolled in the study. There was one dropout. All the patients had nasal blockage despite medical treatment. Bipolar radiofrequency thermal ablation was delivered to inferior turbinates at 100 kHz with a voltage root mean square value of 168 to 182. The preoperative and postoperative nasal functions were investigated by immediate and long-term visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of symptom parameters, olfactory thresholds, saccharine transit time, rhinomanometry, and acoustic rhinometry. The follow-up was conducted at 1 week and 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: The VAS scores of subjective complaints (nasal discharge, itching, sneezing, crusting) decreased, and the VAS scores of evaluation of the effectiveness (frequency of nasal obstruction, degree of nasal obstruction, and patient satisfaction) increased statistically significantly in the 12-month follow-up without relapses. There were no adverse effects on nasal epithelial clearance time and olfactory functions. In rhinomanometry the changes in total nasal resistance and response to the vasoconstrictor agent were not statistically significant. In acoustic rhinometry the change in the sum of both nasal cavity volumes from nostril to 5 cm was statistically significant 6 and 12 months after the treatments. The difference between the preoperative and postoperative vasoconstrictive effect was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The bipolar radiofrequency thermal ablation of inferior turbinates is a promising alternative, which should be considered when planning inferior turbinate interventions.     

鼻声反射应用于鼻塞患者鼻通气功能检查的评价

目的 :评估鼻声反射 (AR)在鼻塞患者鼻通气检查中的应用价值 ,并探讨其参数选择。方法 :对 36例因鼻病引起鼻塞的患者 (鼻病组 )及 2 0例无鼻病健康志愿者 (对照组 )进行AR测试 ,测算鼻腔平均截面积 (MNCA)、最小截面积 (MCA)、鼻腔容积 (NV)和鼻阻力 (NR) ,并进行统计学分析。结果 :对照组中 ,MNCA、MCA、NV、NR性别差异均无统计学意义 (P >0 .0 5 ) ,除NV(P <0 .0 5 )外侧别差异亦无统计学意义 (P >0 .0 5 ) ;鼻病组中鼻塞侧与非鼻塞侧各参数间差异无统计学意义 (P>0 .0 5 ) ;鼻病组中鼻塞侧与对照组比较 ,其中MCA和NR差异有统计学意义 (分别P <0 .0 1和P <0 .0 5 ) ;鼻病组中非鼻塞侧加对照组与鼻病组中鼻塞侧比较 ,其中MCA和NR差异有统计学意义 (分别P <0 .0 1和P <0 .0 5 )。结论 :AR对鼻通气状况有较客观的反映 ,其中MCA和NR对鼻塞状况的反映与患者的主观感受较为一致 ,可作为反映鼻通气状况的敏感指标。     

Patients with positive allergen test have less favorable outcome after endoscopic microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty is a newly developed surgical technique to treat patients with nasal obstruction. Although the procedure has been reported to be safe and effective, we tested the hypothesis that the prognosis might deteriorate with time in allergic rhinitis patients as identified by a positive allergen test in patients who have a persistent regional inflammation of the nose. We assessed the degree of nasal obstruction in a prospective cohort to investigate whether positive allergen test predicts outcome. METHODS: In 70 consecutive patients, the symptom of nasal obstruction was evaluated subjectively by a visual analog scale (VAS) and objectively by acoustic rhinometry using cross-sectional area of the second notch (CSA-2) and nasal cavity volume before operation, and 3 months, 12 months after operation, respectively. Then, patients were classified and compared according to the multiple-antigen simultaneous test (MAST). RESULTS: Both MAST(+) and MAST(-) groups showed statistically significant improvement in VAS score, CSA-2, and nasal cavity volume at 12 months after operation (p < 0.01). Of note, MAST(+) patients showed less favorable results than MAST(-) patients at 12 months after operation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty provides effective relief for patients with nasal obstruction. However, such turbinate surgery may be successful only for a short period of time in patients with allergic rhinitis. Our finding suggests that, in selecting appropriate candidates, surgeons should consider criteria other than symptomatology, especially in patients with allergic rhinitis who may have manifestations other than at the level of the inferior turbinate contributing to nasal blockage.     

鼻声反射测量对鼻塞主客观相关性的研究

目的:探讨鼻声反射技术(acoustic rhinometry,AR)客观测量指标与鼻塞患者主观感受的相关性及相关程度.方法:将365例因鼻部病变就诊的患者分为鼻塞组220例和无鼻塞组145例,另征集健康志愿者(对照组)70例.3组均行AR,测试内容为鼻腔最小横截面积(NMCA),鼻腔容积(NV),鼻气道阻力(NAR),鼻腔最小横截面积到前鼻孔的距离(DCAN);鼻塞主观测试采取VAS评分测量,进行统计学分析.结果:鼻塞组与对照组在NAR、NV、DCAN中显示差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05);VAS评分与NMCA、NV、NAR、DCAN存在直线相关关系,RNAR=0.7385;RNV=-0.8532;RNMCA=-0.7454;RDCAN=0.3697.结论:AR测量指标中NAR及NV的结果与患者的主观感受高度一致,可以作为评价患者主观是否具有鼻塞症状的客观评价测量工具.     

Efficacy of Odiosoft-Rhino in assessment of nasal obstruction: a comparative study with acoustic rhinometry after treatment with budesonide nasal spray in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND: Odiosoft-Rhino (OR) is new software and equipment that can be used to measure changes in nasal obstruction after intranasal steroid treatment. OR is a promising method for measuring the degree of nasal obstruction. OR can precisely analyze nasal sound spectra in decibels, which is generated by nasal airflow. We studied the reliability of OR for assessing declining nasal obstruction after budesonide nasal spray treatment. METHODS: Sixty-five patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) were enrolled in the study, and 52 of these patients completed the study. Nasal endoscopic examination, acoustic rhinometry (AR), and OR were performed and symptom scores were compared before and after 3 months of treatment with intranasal budesonide. All of the patients received 7 days of placebo treatment before receiving budesonide. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the visual analog scores of nasal obstruction and in the examination scores before and after the treatment for both the right and the left nasal cavities. Pretreatment AR findings and OR findings in the 2000- to 4000-Hz and 4000- to 6000-Hz intervals for both sides were significantly different from the posttreatment measurements (p = 0.000). Both AR and OR can assess the efficacy of budesonide nasal spray treatment for nasal obstruction in patients with PAR. CONCLUSION: Both AR and OR are effective for assessing nasal obstruction and monitoring treatment efficacy but, as a simple and noninvasive test, OR can be used with confidence.