Subjective changes in nasal patency after chewing a menthol-containing gum in patients with olfactory loss

Conclusion: The subjective increase in nasal patency after oral menthol application depends on olfactory function. In patients with relatively low olfactory sensitivity, this effect is small or absent. It was hypothesized that this may also modulate the sensation of nasal blockage. Objective: Menthol stimulates the nasal trigeminal nerve, resulting in a subjectively increased nasal airflow and patency without objectively measurable changes. Patients suffering from olfactory impairment also express a reduced nasal trigeminal sensitivity. The aim of this investigation was to examine the effect of menthol on nasal patency ratings in a group of patients suffering from olfactory dysfunction. Methods: A group of 92 patients with olfactory impairment was included in this study. Olfactory function was assessed using the ‘Sniffin’ Sticks.’ Patients were instructed to chew a menthol-containing gum for 30 s, after which they rated the change in nasal patency on a categorical scale. Results: Patients who rated the change in nasal patency as pronounced scored higher on the Sniffin’ Sticks olfactory test compared to patients who experienced little or no change in nasal patency after chewing the menthol-containing gum. On average, similar changes could be observed for all etiologies of olfactory impairment included in this study.     

Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow Evaluation as an objective method of measuring nasal airflow

Acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry and Inspiratory Peak Nasal Flow (IPNF) are used in order to objectively assess nasal patency. These are expensive not very practical tests, except for IPNF, which is a fast, simple and low cost method.ObjectiveTo assess IPNF in healthy individuals complaining of nose obstruction caused by allergic rhinitis.MethodIPNF use in 78 individuals with and without rhinitis symptoms.Study designContemporary cross-sectional cohort.ResultsIPNF showed significant results for nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, pruritus, sneezes and tearing (p < 0.001). There was no correlation between the presence of nasal septum deviation and IPNF (p = 0.561). We found a positive correlation between IPNF and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for nasal obstruction (p = 0.002). In the multiple linear regression model, there was a statistical significance between the values found in IPNF with allergic rhinitis and age (p = 0.005 and p = 0.023 respectively).ConclusionIPNF proved to be a reliable method to detect changes in nasal patency, by obstructive causes as well as inflammatory causes, with an acceptable level of statistical significance, simple, easy to handle, inexpensive and reproducible.     

Nasal packing and transseptal suturing techniques: surgical and anaesthetic perspectives

The objective of this study is to compare the nasal packing and the transseptal suturing techniques regarding the extubation difficulty evaluation scores, follow-up times in post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU), pain scores, and postoperative complications. Two hundred patients who underwent septoplasty from January 2009 to October 2009 were randomly assigned either to have nasal packs (n: 100) or transeptal sutures (n: 100). In the transseptal suture group, extubation was easier and PACU follow-up times were shorter, when compared to the nasal packing group (p < 0.001). Patients with nasal packing had significantly higher pain scores (p < 0.001). Minor bleeding was significantly higher in the transseptal group with seven cases, compared to the nasal packing group without any bleeding cases (p = 0.014). There were two patients who had postoperative major bleeding, and two patients who had septal hematoma in the transseptal suture group. One patient with nasal packing had postoperative infection. Septal perforation was not seen in any of the cases. While patients in both groups experienced postoperative crusting, patients in the transseptal suture group also complained about foreign body sensation. Extubation was more comfortable; post-anaesthesia monitorization duration was shorter, and postoperative pain was less, but minor bleeding was seen more with transseptal sutures. There was no significant difference in terms of major bleeding, hematoma, infection or perforation. Foreign body sensation was the main cause of postoperative discomfort in the transseptal suture group. Transseptal suturing might be a significantly comfortable, cost-effective and reliable alternative to nasal packing.     

A New Transnasal Approach to Endoscopic Marsupialization of the Nasolabial Cyst

Objective: Nasolabial cyst is a mucus-secreting, nonodontogenic cyst in the nasofacial area. It is usually situated behind the ala nasi, extending backward beneath the nasal floor into the inferior meatus and forward into the labio-gingival sulcus behind the upper lip. Patients with nasolabial cysts generally undergo surgical removal of the cyst via a transoral sublabial approach. This article reports a simple, less invasive surgical procedure for the treatment of nasolabial cysts. Study Design: A transnasal endoscopic marsupialization method was designed to treat patients with nasolabial cysts. From 1996 through 1998, 16 consecutive patients underwent this new surgical procedure. Methods: With patients under local anesthesia, the roof of the cyst, which was firmly attached to the mucous membrane of the anterior nasal floor, was removed transnasally with a sickle knife and scissors. Under the guidance of a nasoendoscope, the opening of the cyst was widened with bite forceps. Meanwhile, the cut edges of the nasal mucosa and the epithelium lining of the cyst were adequately matched. The nose was then loosely packed. Results: All but 1 of the 15 patients were successfully treated with this technique, and the whole surgical procedure was usually completed within 15 to 20 minutes. Postoperative endoscopic and radiological findings revealed that the cyst was replaced by an air-containing sinus with a persistent opening at the anterior or anterolateral nasal floor. There has been no evidence of mucus accumulation in the newly created sinus or recurrence of the cyst during a mean follow-up of 16 months. Conclusions: Transnasal endoscopic marsupialization is a simple and effective surgical procedure for treatment of nasolabial cysts.     

Particle image velocimetry measurements for the study of nasal airflow

Conclusions. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) permits investigation of the distribution and velocity of the airflow in the nasal cavity. During breathing, the main laminar flow stream passes through the middle meatus and turbulent flow can be detected under physiologic conditions. Objectives. Physical models or casts of the nasal cavity have been utilized in several studies in an effort to understand its aerodynamics. PIV is a new technique for measuring the aerodynamic properties of tubular structures. In this article we evaluate nasal airflow characteristics during physiologic breathing under normal conditions and the usefulness of PIV. Material and methods. A nasal model cast obtained by a combination of rapid prototyping and solidification of clear silicone was connected to a pump which simulated the physiological pressure in the upper airway system. A glycerol–water mixture was used as the flow material. The airstream was marked with spherical polyvinyl particles, observed through solidified clear silicone and analyzed using PIV. Results. The main flow within the cavity, which was mostly laminar, passed through the middle meatus. Turbulence was clearly visible in the anteroinferior part of the middle turbinate. The flow rate was highest at the middle meatus during inspiration and expiration.     

Topical applications of trichloroacetic acid as therapy for nasal allergy

A group of 22 patients (27 nostrils) with nasal allergies was treated with 80 w/v trichloroacetic acid applied to the inferior turbinates. Patients were then evaluated prospectively based on both subjective responses and clinical examinations. Allergic symptoms were reduced significantly, especially those involving nasal obstruction and watery rhinorrhea. Nasal airflow resistance also improved after treatment (P<0.001). Nasal provocation testing revealed a signfiicant decrease in post-treatment responses (P<0.001). No severe side effects were noted after treatment. Findings demonstrated that local application of trichloroacetic acid is a safe, effective and simple treatment for outpatinets with symptomatic nasal allergies.     

Evaluation of nasal airway patency by analysis of breathing sounds

Conclusions: A simple non-invasive method, based on acoustic analysis of breathing signals, revealed a potential for objective evaluation of differences between the patency of nasal passageways. Objectives: To examine whether acoustic signals of nasal breathing contain information that can differentiate between obstructed and patent nasal passageways. Method: A technical study aimed to examine measurements of nasal airflow acoustic signals, taken, non-invasively, simultaneously from both external sides of the nostrils. The signals were acquired for several breathing cycles, with different respiratory efforts, before and after application of a nasal decongestant to the (narrower) side that yielded lower amplitudes. Data processing of the expiratory phase yielded the power spectrum density (PSD), which was used to compute the ratio of PSD areas between the signals from both sides of the nose. The study group was composed of 20 healthy volunteers. Results: PSD changes were noted in accordance with the rise in expiratory efforts. The ratio of PSD areas between the two sides of the nasal cavity, calculated for maximal expiratory efforts, correlated well with the side that was treated with nasal decongestant in 18 out of the 20. Changes in the opposite direction were noted in two examinees.     

Correlation of subjective sensation of nasal patency with nasal inspiratory peak flow rate*

To determine the relationship between subjective sensation of nasal patency and objective measurement of nasal inspiratory peak flow rate, a longitudinal study was conducted using healthy volunteers. Five healthy medical practitioners, one woman and 4 men, aged 24–34 years, made daily subjective estimations of their sensation of nasal patency on a 10cm visual analogue scale. This was followed immediately by measurements of nasal inspiratory peak flow rate using a Youlten meter, repeated on at least 25 days per subject. Correlation coefficient and regression lines for subjective nasal patency on nasal inspiratory peak flow rate were calculated. One hundred and sixty nine sets of observations were made, range 25–44 per subject. Each subject showed strong evidence (P < 0.01) of positive correlation between subjective nasal patency score and nasal inspiratory peak flow rate. There was strong evidence (P < 0.001) that different regression lines are needed for different subjects, but no evidence that the lines are not parallel. Subjective sensation of nasal patency is strongly correlated with objective nasal patency, as measured by peak inspiratory flow rate. This relationship varies between individuals. Measurement of nasal inspiratory peak flow rate may be a valuable objective test of nasal patency, and is quick and simple to perform.     

Post-operative steroid treatment for eosinophilic-type sinonasal polyposis

Conclusions: The preliminary finding of significantly lower eosinophilic-type CRSwNP recurrence rates in patients with associated asthma or ASA intolerance treated post-operatively with local nasal and oral steroids warrants further investigation in larger, prospective series. Objective: A high recurrence rate after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) has been widely reported in patients with eosinophilic-type chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). This study compared the influence of two post-operative medical treatments – local nasal steroids alone vs local nasal and oral steroids – on the recurrence of eosinophilic-type CRSwNP. Method: Between January 2009–December 2010, 32 patients with eosinophilic-type CRSwNP received local steroid nasal therapy after FESS (Group A); from January 2011 onwards, another 28 patients were treated post-operatively with the same nasal treatment plus two cycles a year of oral steroids (Group B). All patients in both groups had a follow-up of at least 36 months. Results: Groups A and B did not differ significantly in recurrence rate (31.25% vs 32.14%, p = 1) or disease-free interval (p = 0.91), but Group B patients who were asthmatic or ASA-intolerant had a significantly lower recurrence rate than Group A patients with asthma or ASA intolerance (p = 0.04 and p = 0.004, respectively).     

真菌球性上颌窦炎临床特征分析

目的 探讨真菌球性上颌窦炎的不同临床特点、治疗方法和疗效。方法 回顾性分析2019年1月—2020年6月收治的49例真菌球性上颌窦炎患者的症状、体征、影像学特点、治疗方法和术后随访,对其不同临床特征和治疗特点进行总结和分析。结果 49例患者均明确诊断为真菌球性上颌窦炎。根据临床资料可分为4种不同的临床特征：(1)单纯真菌球性上颌窦炎21例：主要临床症状为患侧头痛、脓涕、涕血、鼻塞;术中开放上颌窦并适当扩大窦口,术后给予鼻腔冲洗;(2)无症状型15例：此型主要是体检或者其他疾病检查无意发现,鼻窦影像学特点有典型的真菌性鼻窦炎特征,术中对上颌窦开放并适当扩大窦口,术后给予鼻腔冲洗;(3)合并鼻息肉8例：主要临床症状为患侧鼻塞、脓涕、头痛、头晕等症状。手术以切除鼻息肉,开放上颌窦并适当扩大窦口,术后按慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉治疗同时给予鼻腔冲洗;(4)合并变应性鼻炎5例：主要临床症状为患侧涕血、鼻塞伴喷嚏、清涕、鼻痒等变应性鼻炎症状,术中可见病变窦腔内黏膜水肿,呈息肉样变。开放上颌窦并扩大窦口,术后给予变应性鼻炎治疗同时给予鼻腔冲洗,当病变位于上颌窦前、内下、底壁时,在0°内镜下加行改良泪前隐窝入...     

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.     

18例鼻中隔偏曲伴外鼻畸形临床诊疗体会

目的 探讨鼻中隔偏曲合并外鼻畸形的解剖学形成特点,总结分析同期行鼻中隔偏曲矫正和外鼻畸形整复手术方法。方法 回顾性分析2016年3月—2019年3月收治的18例鼻中隔偏曲矫正同期外鼻畸形整复患者的临床资料,其中大翼软骨发育异常11例,鼻中隔软骨尾侧端畸形5例,上颌骨鼻棘畸形2例,所有患者均先行鼻中隔偏曲矫正术;并针对不同类型的畸形结构特征单独或同时使用了缝合矫形、切除矫形和支撑矫形方法。所有患者术后随访1年以上,比较手术前后患者的鼻腔通气功能和外鼻形态视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分。结果 术后1年鼻腔通气功能和外鼻形态VAS量表评分明显低于术前,术后1年双侧鼻腔总阻力明显低于术前,差异均具有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。18例患者鼻内镜检查、鼻腔鼻窦CT显示术后鼻中隔偏曲与外鼻畸形形态改善明显。结论 总结了鼻中隔偏曲并外鼻畸形的解剖学构成分类和常用手术方法体会,为临床工作中兼顾鼻腔功能与美学的治疗策略提供参考。     

The effect of allergen provocation on the nasal cycle estimated by acoustic rhinometry

Conclusion. The overall duration and reciprocity of the nasal cycle were not changed after allergen provocation. The duration of immediate response was 38 min, but the amplitude of the nasal cycle was increased significantly after allergen provocation.

Objective. Nasal airflow is asymmetrical and subjected to spontaneous reciprocal changes which are referred to as the nasal cycle. Limited information is available on how this is affected by allergens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of allergen provocation on the nasal cycle.

Materials and methods. This study was performed on 25 patients with allergic rhinitis and 25 subjects in a control group with no symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Acoustic rhinometry was used to test patients before and after allergen provocation. The patients underwent acoustic rhinometry at 15-min intervals for evaluation of nasal cycle and 3-min intervals for immediate response.

Results. With the allergic patients, 21 of the 25 patients (84.0%) showed a nasal cycle and they still had a nasal cycle after the allergen provocation. In the study on the changes in the immediate responses, the average recovery time was 38 min and the reduction rate of the non-patent side was higher than that of the patent side. Also, the average period of the nasal cycle was 153 min before the allergen provocation and 140 min on average after the allergen provocation; there were no statistical differences. The amplitude of each nasal cycle increased after allergen provocation and the difference had statistical meaning.     

主观感觉评估与解剖结构及鼻功能测量在慢性鼻窦炎中的相关性研究

目的 探讨主观感觉测量与解剖结构及鼻功能测量在慢性鼻窦炎疾病中的相关性。方法 选择2019年9月-2020年10月在山西医科大学附属汾阳医院耳鼻咽喉科就诊的慢性鼻窦炎患者43例。分别应用视觉模拟量表评估患者鼻塞主观症状;Lund-Mackay评分和Lund-Kennedy评分系统评估鼻窦CT及鼻内镜检查结果;鼻声反射、鼻阻力测量评估鼻腔通气情况,采用SPSS 19.0软件对其相关性进行统计学分析。结果 Spearman相关性显示,慢性鼻窦炎患者鼻塞视觉模拟评分量表（VAS）评分与最小横截面积2（MCA2）、最小横截面积距离前鼻孔的距离2（MD2）、距鼻孔2~5 cm鼻腔容积（Vol2~5）呈负相关（P<0.05）,与鼻腔有效阻力、Lund-Mackay评分、Lund-Kennedy评分呈正相关（P<0.05）;Lund-Mackay评分、Lund-Kennedy评分与鼻声反射、鼻阻力呈相关性（P<0.05）。结论 主观感觉测量、解剖结构测量及鼻功能测量相联合能综合评估慢性鼻窦炎患者鼻塞病情的严重程度,有利于治疗方案的选择。     

The importance of side difference in nasal obstruction and rhinomanometry: a retrospective correlation of symptoms and rhinomanometry in 1000 patients

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2012, 37 , 17–22 Objectives: The correlation between subjective and objective outcomes of nasal obstruction is still a matter of controversy. The aim of this study was to determine the minimal level of side difference in nasal airway resistance (NAR measured by Broms’v₂) between the two nasal cavities, which could be discerned subjectively by the patient on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Nasal airway resistance was calculated from rhinomanometric measurements of nasal airflow and transnasal pressure after decongestion of the nasal mucosa. Design: A retrospective study. Setting: ENT department, Vaxjo Central Hospital, Sweden. Participants: We studied 1000 active anterior rhinomanometries from patients with nasal obstructions. Main outcome measures: We compared the side difference of nasal airway resistance with the side difference of VAS estimated immediately prior to the rhinomanometry. Each measurement was performed after nasal decongestion. Results: When the difference in nasal airway resistance between the two nasal cavities was larger than 20° (Broms’v₂) or R₂ > 0.36 Pa/cm³/s, we found a significant correlation between side differences of the objective measurement and the subjective assessment (VAS). With a nasal airway resistance side difference over 20°, an additional 20° difference corresponded to a 0.9 centimetre average VAS change. The more obstructed side of the nose could be determined by VAS in 823 (82.3%) of 1000 patients. Yet, 177 (17.7%) patients had a paradoxical sensation of nasal obstruction with the low resistance side of the nose experienced as the most congested side. Conclusion: A significant correlation between the side differences of nasal airway resistance and VAS can serve as a supplement to rhinoscopy in decisions about nasal surgery. This study also showed that in 17.7% of patients, there was a negative correlation between subjective and objective evaluations of nasal airway resistance. But in this group, the nasal airway resistance side difference was mostly under 20°.     

Clinical factors indicating short nasal bone overlap

Conclusion: It is important to take adequate precautions when performing septoplasty for elderly patients. Objective: Septoplasty is the treatment of choice for deviation of the nasal septum. Saddle nose is a rare complication caused by damage to the keystone area. In this area, the nasal bone overlaps the upper lateral cartilages, so careful attention is needed when performing septoplasty to patients with short nasal bone overlap. Therefore, the factors associated with short nasal bone overlap were investigated to allow adequate precautions to be taken during surgery. Method: Computed tomography (CT) including the paranasal sinus region was performed in 177 patients. Data including sex, age, and the primary disease were obtained from their medical records. The degree of septal deviation and the bone overlap distance in the midline were measured using CT. Result: It was found that advancing age was significantly associated with shorter bone overlap distance in the midline. There was no significant association between the degree of septal deviation and nasal bone overlap distance in the midline. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the overlap distance between nasal sinus diseases and other diseases, and between sexes.     

Do topical nasal decongestants affect polyps?

Conclusions. The hypothesis that decongestants reduce the size of nasal polyps could not be verified. Decongestion is therefore recommended prior to nasal endoscopy, especially in polyp diagnosis, as it does not artificially change the size of the polyps. Objective. The role of nasal decongestants in nasal stuffiness is well established and their action is well known. Decongestants are also used prior to nasal endoscopy to achieve a better view of the nasal cavity in order to diagnose polyps. The question is whether this decongestion invalidates the estimation of polyp size in clinical and scientific practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible effects of topical decongestants on polyp extension in patients with nasal polyposis. Material and methods. The effect of the decongestants nafazoline and epinephrine on nasal polyp size was assessed by means of a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study. A sensitive endoscopic scoring system, lateral imaging, was used to assess the size and extension of the nasal polyps. Results. No significant effect of decongestion on polyp size could be found for either treatment.     

Expression of Cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 is Limited to the Nasal Glands in the Guinea Pig Nasal Cavity

Objectives – To clarify the localization of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2 in the nasal cavity of guinea pigs and ascertain their physiological roles.Material and Methods – The distribution of the enzymes was investigated using immunohistochemistry.Results – Immunoreactivities for COX-1 and -2 were limited to the nasal glands, and no expression was noted in the surrounding vascular endothelial cells, olfactory glands, respiratory epithelium, olfactory epithelium, submucosal tissue or nerves. To confirm the specificity of the reaction, the kidneys of the same animals were prepared as positive controls. The results demonstrated localization of COX-1 and -2 in uriniferous tubules.Conclusion – Our findings suggest that COX is involved in the secretion of nasal discharge from the nasal glands and that prostaglandins in the nasal discharge are probably secreted directly from the nasal glands.     

The efficacy of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-2-butyl cyanoacrylate in the fixation of nasal septum to the anterior nasal spine in rabbits: experimental study

In nasal septal surgery, fixing the caudal portion of the nasal septum to the anterior nasal spine is difficult with the present techniques. N-2-butyl cyanoacrylate is a form of cyanoacrylate which is bioabsorbable and biocompatible. The feasibility and efficacy of the compound, which is easy to apply to the tissues, for the above purpose is investigated in this experimental study. Fourteen New Zealand rabbits were included in the study. The nasal septum was exposed with the open approach (transcolumellar). In the study group (n = 10), the septum was detached from the nasal floor and attached to a point 3 mm lateral to the nasal spine on the right side, using 2-butyl cyanoacrylate. In control group (n = 4) it was deviated 3 mm to the right side and left for spontaneous healing without using any fixation method. Beginning on the third postoperative week, one animal was sacrificed under general anesthesia, every week in the study group and every third week in the control group, and the septum was analysed. Foreign body reaction, histotoxicity, and the structure of the regenerative tissue in the junction of bone and cartilage were analysed with histopathology. The success of stabilization in the study group, where the septum was attached with N-2-butyl cyanoacrylate, was significantly superior to the control group where no fixation method was used (P < 0.05). Histopathologically, there were no differences between the two groups with respect to foreign body reaction, histotoxicity, and the tissue that formed between the bone and cartilage (P > 0.05). This study demonstrated that N-2-Butyl cyanoacrylate was successful in the fixation of the caudal edge of the nasal septum to the anterior nasal spine. No serious infections, foreign body reaction, necrosis or histotoxicity were observed.