Effects of an external nasal dilator strip (ENDS) compared to xylometazolin nasal spray

Nasal blockage is a common complaint in Family Practice. Decongestive nosedrops are frequently employed therapeutic measures. Due to a considerable risk of abuse and side effects, alternatives are wanted. The purpose of this study was to elucidate to what extent ENDS might represent an alternative to decongestive nose sprays (DNS). The effects of DNS (xylometazolin) and ENDS (BreatheRight^®) on subjective and objective nasal blockage were compared in 89 patients. Main outcome measures were recordings of nasal symptom scores on visual analogue scales (VAS), minimal cross-sectional areas (MCA) and nasal cavity volumes (NCV) as measured by acoustic rhinometry (AR), and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF). ENDS significantly increased the MCA and the NCV in the anterior 0.0–3.0 cm of the nose compared to DNS, but had no effect on MCA from 3.0 to 5.4 cm behind the nostrils. In contrast to DNS, ENDS had no effect on the posterior NCV. ENDS and DNS gave comparable increase in nasal inspiratory flow as measured by PNIF, and in the subject’s own experience of nasal obstruction. ENDS may represent an alternative to DNS as a measure against nasal blockage.     

Nasal passage patency in patients with allergic rhinitis measured by acoustic rhinometry: nasal responses after allergen and histamine provocation

We investigated nasal passage patency after allergen and histamine provocation in patients with allergic rhinitis by acoustic rhinometry. In total, 75 outpatients with allergic rhinitis were studied. The threshold of nasal hypersensitivity to histamine was measured by the 10 μl instillation of serial 10-fold dilution in the ipsilateral nasal cavity. Nasal provocation testing to specific antigen was applied to the anterior part of inferior turbinate in bilateral sides in sitting position. Measurement of nasal patency by acoustic rhinometry was repeated three times in each nasal cavity. The minimal cross-sectional area and total volume of nasal cavity were measured in an individual subject. The minimal cross-sectional area and total volume in the histamine challenged-side significantly decreased on the 10⁻², 10⁻¹, 10⁻⁰ of end point, and up to 30 min after challenge with the threshold dose, but not in the unchallenged side. This means acoustic reflection technique is sensitive at least 100-fold in comparison with classical method like findings by anterior rhinoscopy and symptom scores. Nasal passage patency after bilateral allergen provocation showed predominant in the unilateral side, suggesting the cross over-reflex effects.It was concluded that acoustic rhinometry is one of the highly quantitative and sensitive method which can observe the change of nasal congestion.     

Do patients with chronic rhinosinusitis benefit from consultation with an ENT-doctor?

Conclusion: By consulting an ENT-doctor, patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), in the general population, receive disease information and adjustment of treatment which can improve disease-specific Quality-of-Life and may improve objective measurements. Objectives: This study aims to follow persons with clinical diagnosed CRS from the general population, to evaluate their benefit from consultation with an ENT-doctor in terms of severity of symptoms and Quality-of-Life. Methods: As part of a trans-European study, selected respondents to a survey questionnaire were invited for a clinical visit. Based on the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps, persons were diagnosed with CRS and followed for 2 years. Quality-of-Life was measured using the Sino Nasal Outcome Test 22 and European Quality-of-Life – 5 Dimensions. Clinical examination included rhinoscopy, acoustic rhinometry, peak nasal inspiratory flow, smell test, and skin prick test. Results: Out of 91 persons with CRS, only 42% had previously consulted an ENT-doctor, and 51% were in current treatment for CRS. Most patients were advised medical treatment and 20% underwent surgery. Disease-specific Quality-of-Life, peak nasal inspiratory flow, olfactory function, and the nasal volume significantly increased over the 2-year period.     

Does Nasal Obstruction Mean That the Nose Is Obstructed?

Objectives/Hypothesis: It is still a matter of controversy to what extent the sense of nasal obstruction is associated with objective measures for nasal space and airflow. Knowledge about this is important in the evaluation of nasal complaints and the planning of its treatment. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between subjective nasal obstruction and the corresponding anatomic and physiological nasal parameters using acoustic rhinometry (AR) and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF). Study Design: Two thousand five hundred twenty‐three consecutive patients were included in this cross‐sectional study. Eligible subjects were adults referred to the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department, Sørlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway, for evaluation of chronic nasal or sleep related complaints. Methods: Subjects underwent AR and nasal flow measurements. Subjective grading of nasal obstruction was obtained by a nasal obstruction visual analogue scale. Associations between nasal obstruction visual analogue scale scores, AR, and PNIF were assessed using multiple linear regression, adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, and asthma, allergy, and smoking history. Results: The sense of nasal obstruction was associated with nasal cavity volumes in both anterior and middle segments of the nasal cavities, with minimal cross‐sectional areas in middle segments and for the nasal cavity as a whole, and with PNIF. Associations with minimal cross‐sectional areas in anterior segments did not reach significance. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates highly significant associations between the subjective sensation of nasal obstruction and corresponding measures for nasal cavity volume, area, and airflow. We conclude that AR and PNIF are valuable objective instruments for evaluation of subjective nasal obstruction.     

鼻声反射在鼻中隔偏曲中的临床应用研究

目的　利用鼻声反射测量,寻找对鼻中隔偏曲诊断及手术效果评估的客观依据。方法　应用鼻声反射测量鼻腔不同部位的截面积和各段鼻腔的容积,分析鼻中隔偏曲患者与正常人、生理性偏曲者的各参数差异,结合视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale,VAS）评分,分析手术前、后各组鼻声反射参数与主观鼻塞的相关性。结果　正常组鼻腔与生理性偏曲组中偏曲侧鼻腔的MCA2、MD3有统计学差异。病例组中鼻堵侧鼻腔与生理性偏曲组中偏曲侧鼻腔的MD2、V2～3有统计学差异。术前鼻塞症状的VAS评分与MCA2、MCA3、V2～3、V3～5、V0～7呈负相关。手术前后VAS评分的改变与MCA3、V3～5、V0～7的改变呈负相关。结论　鼻声反射检查可为鼻中隔偏曲的诊断提供客观量化依据,用于手术效果的评估。     

上颌骨前移术及同期鼻中隔矫正术前后鼻腔通气功能评估

目的　探讨对存在鼻腔阻塞、鼻中隔偏曲的牙颌面畸形患者行上颌骨Le Fort I型截骨上颌骨前移术的同期行鼻中隔矫正术对鼻腔通气功能的影响。方法　对13例 III类错颌畸形并伴有鼻中隔偏曲,鼻腔阻塞症状的患者进行前瞻性研究,年龄18～45岁,手术方案包括上颌骨LeFort I型截骨前移术及鼻中隔矫正术。术前、术后3个月及术后6个月对研究对象分别进行前鼻镜检查及鼻声反射检查。术前及术后6个月,完成鼻腔阻塞症状评估量表（nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scale,NOSE）的主观性评估。采用SPSS13.0对术前、术后的结果进行配对t 检验。结果　鼻声反射检测结果显示研究组的鼻腔阻力、鼻腔容积及鼻腔最小截面积术后3个月及6个月较术前有显著改善。NOSE量表的主观性评估结果显示,术后6个月时的评估分值较术前下降,前后差异有统计学意义。结论　上颌骨Le Fort I型截骨上颌骨前移手术同期行鼻中隔矫正术可以明显增加患者的鼻腔容积,改善鼻腔通气。     

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。     

Accuracy of measurement of acoustic rhinometry applied to small experimental animals

Nasal obstruction is one of the major symptoms of allergic rhinitis. In the study of the mechanism of nasal obstruction, experiments on animal are useful. In adult humans, acoustic rhinometry has been used to evaluate nasal obstruction by determining nasal cavity dimensions in terms of cross-sectional areas as a function of the distance from the nostril. We modified the equipment used on humans to assess dimensions of nasal airway geometry of small experimental animals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of measurement of the modified acoustic rhinometry applied to small experimental animals using nasal cavity models and guinea pigs. Measurement of the nasal cavity models (made of cylindrical silicone tubes) showed that the acoustic rhinometry estimated 85.5% of actual area and 79.0% of actual volume. In guinea pigs, nasal cavity volume determined by the acoustic rhinometry was 73.7 +/- 20.0% of actual volume. The actual volume was estimated by impression material instilled into the nasal cavity of the animals (IM volume), and volume determined by acoustic rhinometry significantly correlated with IM volume. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between the volume and nasal airway resistance in guinea pigs. Measurement of the nasal airway resistance is the method frequently used in the evaluation of the nasal obstruction in guinea pigs. These results suggest that acoustic rhinometry is useful in evaluating nasal obstruction in small experimental animals.     

Acoustic rhinometry in healthy humans: accuracy of area estimates and ability to quantify certain anatomic structures in the nasal cavity

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the accuracy of acoustic rhinometry (AR) measurements in healthy humans and assessed the ability of AR in quantifying the dimensions of the paranasal sinuses and certain anatomic structures in the nasal cavity. METHODS: Twenty nasal passages of 10 healthy adults were examined by AR and computed tomography (CT) before and after decongestion. Actual cross-sectional areas of the nasal cavity and actual locations of the nasal valve, the head of the inferior turbinate, the head of the middle turbinate, the ostia of the frontal and maxillary sinuses, and the choana were determined from CT sections perpendicular to the curved acoustic axis of the nasal passage. RESULTS: The AR-measured cross-sectional areas in the anterior nasal cavity were in reasonable agreement with the corresponding areas determined from CT, whereas AR consistently overestimated the passage areas at locations posterior to the paranasal sinus ostia. The nasal valve was identified as a pronounced minimum on the AR area-distance curve. However, AR did not discretely identify the head of the inferior turbinate, the head of the middle turbinate, or the choana. CONCLUSIONS: The local minima on the AR area-distance curve beyond the nasal valve are caused by acoustic resonances in the nasal cavity, and do not correspond to any anatomic structure. The AR area overestimation beyond the paranasal sinus ostia is due to the interaction between the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses, rather than to sound loss into the sinuses. Acoustic rhinometry provides no quantitative information on ostium size or sinus volume in either non-decongested or decongested nasal cavities.     

鼻声反射测量法（鼻中隔矫正术前后对比）

鼻声反射测量法（ａｃｏｕｓｔｉｃｒｈｉｎｏｍｅｔｒｙ，ＡＲ）是一种客观测量鼻腔几何形态、截面积及容积的新方法。３６例鼻中隔偏曲患者接受ＡＲ检查并与２１名正常人作比较，均为高加索人种；１８例患者作了鼻中隔纠正术前与术后的对比。结果显示鼻腔最狭窄面积（ＭＣＳＡ）位于鼻腔前部，与鼻气道阻力（ＶＡＲ）主要产生部位相吻合；术后ＭＣＳＡ增加伴ＮＡＲ降低，提示ＭＣＳＡ能较好地反映鼻腔通气功能，但鼻腔容积并不是评价鼻腔通气功能的敏感指标。由于鼻气流感觉与ＮＡＲ非同一概念，在解释ＡＲ和前鼻测压法检查结果及与主观症状关系时应谨慎，手术适应证的选择及疗效的评价应综合判断。     

Comparison of feline nasal cavity dimensions measured by acoustic rhinometry and nasal casts

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between feline nasal cavity geometry determined in vivo by acoustic rhinometry (AR(in vivo)) and by nasal cavity casts. Cast cross-sectional areas were measured by acoustic rhinometry (AR(cast)), a fluid-displacement method (FDM), and slicing. A volume comparison between AR(in vivo) and AR(cast) was studied in cats with varying degrees of nasal obstruction after application of phenylpropanolamine, saline, or compound 48/80. METHOD: After measurements of AR(in vivo), impression material was injected into the nasal cavity to produce casts. Subsequently, the cross-sectional areas of the nasal impressions were measured by AR(cast) and FDM using ethanol. All casts were weighed to determine exact volume. Six casts also were sliced into segments of equal thickness for determination of cross-sectional area. RESULTS: Cast volume determined by AR(cast) was consistent with results obtained using FDM and weight. Volumes of the first 3 cm determined by AR(in vivo) ranged between 78 +/- 9% of cast volumes determined by AR(cast) for decongested cavities and 16 +/- 15% for congested cavities. CONCLUSION: AR(in vivo) does not reflect cast geometry, probably because of (1) underestimation by AR because of methodological problems caused by the cavity geometry, (2) deformation of compliant structures within the nasal passageways resulting from the casting procedure, and/or (3) the casting material reaches parts of the nasal cavity not accessible to sound, e.g., sinuses or recesses. Nevertheless, this study does not preclude the use of AR as a sensitive method suited to evaluate relative changes in nasal volume caused by experimental challenges of the nasal mucosa. Compared with AR(in vivo), casts still may be of use but it is less sensitive to measure relative changes after experimental challenge.     

改良鼻中隔黏膜下切除术的临床应用

目的探讨改良鼻中隔黏膜下切除术在鼻中隔偏曲矫正术中的应用效果。方法对84例鼻中隔偏曲者应用改良鼻中隔黏膜下切除术,术中把切取的软骨修正后再植入鼻中隔腔内,骨性偏曲部分用骨折法进行矫正。结果84例术后鼻中隔居中,无穿孔,鼻中隔无飘动,鼻腔通气良好。结论改良鼻中隔黏膜下切除术方法简单易行,效果好,无近、远期并发症。     

A novel wedge technique to correct the curved deviation of the cartilaginous nasal septum

ObjectiveTo introduce a novel wedge technique in endonasal septoplasty to correct the curved deviation of the cartilaginous septum and describe the surgical procedure and results.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 17 patients who had septoplasty using the wedge technique to correct the curved deviation of their cartilaginous septum. A 2–2.5-cm-long wedge made of either septal cartilage or ethmoid/vomer bone was inserted through an incision located 1.5–2 cm caudal to the bony–cartilaginous junction near the dorsum. Materials used for the wedge, objective evaluation of the surgical results, subjective symptom improvement and surgical complications were investigated.ResultsThe degree of deviation was moderate to severe in all patients. Bony septum was used as the wedge material in 9 patients and septal cartilage in 8 patients. Among 17 patients, 15 had a completely straight septum while 2 had a minimal curvature remaining. Subjective symptoms of nasal obstruction evaluated by the Visual Analog Scale score and Nasal Obstructive Symptom Evaluation scale improved in all patients. In acoustic rhinometry, minimal cross-sectional area and nasal volume change showed some improvement without statistical significance. There were no major complications including saddle nose and revision surgery.ConclusionOur novel wedge technique can be an effective and safe technique to straighten the curved deviations of the cartilaginous septum in selected patients.     

Nasal steroids improve regulation of nasal patency in asthma and mild rhinitis: a randomised,cross-over trial

An important function of the healthy nose is the ability to adjust nasal patency in response to stimuli such as a change in posture between sitting and supine. We hypothesised that the regulation of nasal patency would be impaired in patients with asthma and mild rhinitis and that it could be improved by reducing nasal inflammation with a topical nasal steroid. This is a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over study comprising 19 subjects with well-controlled asthma and a history of rhinitis without current treatment. The subjects were randomised to fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray (Beconase^®), 200 μg daily, or placebo (FESS^® saline nasal spray), for 6 weeks in a cross-over design with a 4-week wash-out between treatments. Nasal patency was measured with acoustic rhinometry, while sitting and supine and with peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF). Treatment response was also monitored with spirometry, Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ), Short Form-36 (SF-36), and The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The minimal cross-sectional area remained unchanged between sitting and supine at baseline and after placebo but after fluticasone propionate there was a significant decrease. PNIF, RQLQ and SF-36 improved after fluticasone propionate, whereas sleep quality did not change. In well-controlled asthma and mild rhinitis, nasal steroid treatment normalised the neurovascular response to posture in the nasal mucosa and improved health-related quality of life. An impaired ability to regulate nasal patency could be a marker of upper airway inflammation in patients with asthma that can be measured non-invasively.     

鼻声反射测试法在鼻中隔偏曲患者中的应用

目的 :研究鼻中隔偏曲患者鼻声反射参数值。方法 :应用Eccovision型声反射鼻测量计对 6 0例鼻中隔偏曲患者进行测试 ,记录鼻腔最小横截面积 (NMCA) ,鼻腔容积 (NCV) ,NMCA至前鼻孔距离 (DCAN)和鼻阻力 (NR) ,并进行统计学分析。结果 :NMCA为 (0 .37± 0 .14 )cm2 ;NCV(12 .30± 2 .32 )cm3 ;DCAN (2 .10± 0 .15 )cm ;NR(0 .348± 0 .115 )kPa·L-1·min-1。经统计学分析提示 ,NMCA和NVC的大小与NR呈反比 ,与DCAN无明显相关性。结论 :鼻声反射可作为鼻腔通气功能评价的客观指标 ,且可以精确确定NMCA的位置 ,为临床手术提供参考。     

鼻中隔偏曲矫正术的主客观评估及相关性分析

目的　探讨鼻中隔偏曲患者行鼻中隔矫正术前、术后的主、客观评估及相关性,评价该手术治疗鼻中隔偏曲的作用。方法　以46例鼻中隔偏曲伴不同程度鼻塞的 患者为研究对象,分别于术前、术后6～8周进行评估,主观方面应用视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale,VAS）评分,客观方面应用鼻声反射及鼻阻力计,记录双侧鼻腔最小横截面积（nasal minimal cross-sectional area,NMCA）、鼻腔容积（nasal cavity volume,NCV）及鼻阻力（nasal resistance,NR）,应用配对t 检验对各主、客观指标及其之间有无相关性进行统计学分析。结果　术前、术后在VAS、NCV及NR中显示差异均具有统计学意义（P <0.05）,在NMCA中显示差异无统计学意义（P >0.05）。VAS与NMCA,NCV,NR三者之间没有统计学意义上的相关性。结论　鼻中隔偏曲矫正术能有效改善鼻中隔偏曲患者鼻塞症状。鼻腔通气功能的客观检查可以直观并量化的说明手术前、后鼻气道阻力和鼻腔结构的变化,是一种很好的评价参数且不与患者的主观感受一致。     

Nasal conditioning after endonasal surgery in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a frequently performed operation for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The aim of this study was to investigate nasal conditioning after ESS with/without septoplasty and turbinoplasty in patients with CRS with nasal polyps and to determine its relation to nasal patency and geometry. METHODS: Twenty-one patients were enrolled into this study. Nasal conditioning, AAR, and acoustic rhinometry were measured before and 4-8 months after endonasal surgery. RESULTS: The temperature and humidity gradient across the nose increased significantly after operation. High nasal volumes and patency were positively correlated with elevated nasal conditioning. No correlation between preoperative and postoperative changes in nasal geometry and nasal airflow with changes in conditioning values was found. CONCLUSION: Patients with CRS with nasal polyps seem to profit from ESS with/without septoplasty and turbinoplasty because nasal conditioning is improved postoperatively. Properly performed ESS has its importance within the variety of nasal surgical procedures ensuring improved nasal function.     

Acoustic rhinometry in the evaluation of nasal obstruction

Acoustic rhinometry (AR) is a recently developed objective technique for assessment of geometry of the nasal cavity. The technique is based on the analysis of sound waves reflected from the nasal cavities. It measures cross-sectional areas and nasal volume (NV). To obtain dependable assessments of nasal resistance by rhinomanometry or cross-sectional area measurements by AR, it is essential that the structural relations of the compliant vestibular region remain undisturbed by the measuring apparatus. The use of nozzles in making these measurements carries a great risk of direct distortion of the nasal valve. We used a nasal adapter that does not invade the nasal cavity and a chin support that stabilizes the head. In 51 healthy nasal cavities, the average minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) was 0.62 cm² at 2.35 cm from the nostril and 0.67 cm² at 2 cm from the nostril, respectively, before and after topical decongestion of the nasal mucosa. The MCA and NV findings in this group were significantly higher than MCA and NV (P<0.001) in people with structural or mucosal abnormalities before mucosal decongestion. After mucosal decongestion, the MCA and NV were significantly higher in healthy nasal cavities than in nasal cavities with structural abnormalities (P<0.001) but were not higher than nasal cavities with mucosal abnormalities (MCA, P = 0.05; NV, P = 0.06). A nozzle was applied in 20 healthy nasal cavities after mucosal decongestion, and a significantly higher MCA was found compared to measurements made with the nasal adapter (P = 0.02). We conclude that the nasal adapter, which does not invade the nasal cavities, avoids the distortion of the nasal valve and gives more accurate results.     

麻黄碱试验在鼻声反射中的临床应用

目的：探讨麻黄碱试验在鼻声反射（AR）中的临床应用,研究定量评价鼻腔黏膜状态的方法和鉴别单纯性鼻炎与肥厚性鼻炎的客观指标。方法：利用AR测试单纯和肥厚性鼻炎患者,并设正常对照,通过麻黄碱试验深入分析试验前后鼻气道通气阻力（NAR）、鼻腔容积（NCV）、鼻腔最小截面积（NMCA）和NMCA所处的位置相对于鼻腔入口处的距离（DCAN）以及上述参数的变化量和变化率,定量分析3类受试者的鼻黏膜舒缩状态。结果：麻黄碱试验前后成对资料比较,各基本参数均差异有统计学意义（均P〈0．01）,麻黄碱试验后NAR减小,NCV增加,并伴有NMCA扩大和DCAN的“前移”。麻黄碱试验前后各组各参数的均数多组间的均差异有统计学意义（均P〈0．01）。2个患者组之间相比,麻黄碱试验前只有NCV有统计学意义（P〈0．05）,而麻黄碱试验后所有参数（包括变化量和变化率）的均差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）。与正常对照,单纯性鼻炎所有参数（包括变化量和变化率）的均差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）,而肥厚性鼻炎的某些参数的变化量和变化率的差异则无统计学意义。结论：AR能客观的判断鼻黏膜的状态,结合麻黄碱试验能提供更多的信息,扩大了AR的临床应用,建议作为常规配套检查。     

改良鼻中隔黏膜下矫正术的临床应用

目的：探讨改良鼻中隔黏膜下矫正术在鼻中隔偏曲矫正中的应用。方法：对126例鼻中隔偏曲患者行改良鼻中隔黏膜下矫正术,术中尽量保留原有的结构,选择性地切除或矫正骨折偏曲部分,同时对肥大的下鼻甲于根部骨折外移。结果：126例患者术后鼻中隔居中,无穿孔,无飘动,鼻腔通气良好。结论：改良鼻中隔黏膜下矫正术方法简便易行,效果好,对青少年是安全的。