Nasal Patency by Rhinomanometry in Patients with Sensation of Nasal Obstruction

Abstract

Background The objective assessment of nasal patency is a common challenge in clinical practice. This study was designed to show and compare the values of active anterior rhinomanometry (RMM) in patients with sensation of nasal obstruction. Methods According to the physical examination, 7283 individuals with sensation of nasal obstruction were divided into the nasal septal deviation (NSD) group and normal nasal anatomy group. The NSD group and normal nasal anatomy group were further divided into subgroups according to skin-prick test positivity or negativity, respectively. Nasal airway resistances (NARs) of the subgroups were evaluated and compared. Results The mean value of total inspiratory NAR was 0.51 and 0.34 Pa/cm3 per second at 150-Pa pressure point in allergic rhinitis subjects with and without NSD, respectively; 0.48 and 0.32 Pa/cm3 per second were the mean values of total inspiratory NAR in nonallergic rhinitis subjects with and without NSD, respectively. The total inspiratory resistances in groups with NSD were significantly higher than the others. Conclusion We believe that the results of so large a number of participants in this test will make an obvious contribution to the medical literature.