Nasal Patency: Subjective and Objective

Abstract

Nasal airflow resistances (cm H2O/L/sec), accelerations (L/sec2), alteration of transnasal differential pressure, duration (sec) of inspiration and expiration and peak flow index were measured in 31 adult patients referred to our nasal airflow laboratory. Measurements by posterior rhinomanometry using a head-out body plethysmograph were compared with symptomatic severity of nasal stuffiness. Symptomatic severity of nasal stuffiness, which is a subjective perception, did not reveal a significant correlation with nasal resistances and alteration of transnasal differential pressure on quiet breathing. Acceleration of inspiratory airflow through the nose showed a direct relationship with symptomatic severity of nasal stuffiness (p < 0.04) but acceleration of expiration was not related to obstructive symptoms. Peak flow indices on expiration in the patients who did not complain of nasal stuffiness were significantly less than those on inspiration; however, as symptoms of nasal stuffiness increased, the differences between inspiratory and expiratory indices decreased. Duration of the respiration cycle showed no particular relationship with severity of obstructive sensation. We think that acceleration of nasal airflow and peak flow index can be applied to complement the diagnosis of subjective nasal stuffiness.