The Characteristics of Nasal Cycle and Nasal Cavity Volume inLaryngectomees Using Acoustic Rhinometry / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The nasal cycle of laryngectomized patients has been thought to be far different from the normal subjects. This study was performed to evaluate the difference in the patterns and activities of nasal cycles, the total nasal cavity volume, and the degree of change in the nasal cavity volume between laryngectomees (LG) and normal controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twentythree laryngectomized patients and twenty-three normal controls were studied. Acoustic rhinometry measurements were taken 3 times from each nostril at intervals of 30 minutes during 8 hrs. The total nasal cavity volume was measured from the first 7 cm of nostril. RESULTS: There were four types of nasal cycle patterns in both laryngectomees and controls classical pattern in 6 (26.1%) LG and 5 (21.7%) controls, in concert pattern in 3 (13.1%) LG an 8 (34.8%) controls, mixed pattern in 4 (17.4%) LG and 3 (13.0%) controls, irregular pattern in 11 (47.8%) LG and 6 (26.1%) controls. In laryngectomees, the total nasal cavity volume was increased (p0.05). CONCLUSION: Although the afferent input from the airflow receptor in the nasal cavity may play a role in modulating the pattern of nasal cycle, we suggest that the central nervous system is more important than the feedback mechanism for regulation and control of nasal cycle.