ABSTRACT
Almost all the pathological and physiological process that effect the nose will change the volume of the airspace within it. This volume has previously been difficult to measure but a new method that calculates this space has been developed. A mechanical model was built to test the physical parameters involved in making volume measurements. The model demonstrated that a model sinus could be detected if the ostium was only 0.5 mm in diameter. It also showed that a mathematical model which described the volume of the space could be constructed. In vivo experiments showed that nasal volume can be measured in children as young as 4. In children, nasal volume correlates with age, height, and weight. They had a low coefficient of variation (7.1%) and a high test-retest correlation (r = 0.94). Adult nasal volume averaged 138 ml. The method is sensitive enough to detect the decongestant effect of xylometazoline in a group of 17 healthy volunteers (p < 0.01). There is no significant difference in the sensitivity to detect the decongestant effect of xylometazoline when compared with active anterior rhinometry, nasal peak flow, and acoustic rhinometry (range 80-95%).
Subject(s)
Manometry , Nasal Cavity/anatomy & histology , Adult , Air , Child , Child, Preschool , Humans , Reference Values , Reproducibility of ResultsABSTRACT
A study has been undertaken to compare the sensitivity of manometric rhinometry, rhinomanometry, nasal peak flow and acoustic rhinometry to detect the decongestant effect of xylometazoline. Twenty healthy volunteers were investigated before and after decongestion. The sensitivity of all four methods varied from 80 to 95%. These differences were not significant. Manometric rhinometry, a new method of investigating nasal physiology, is as sensitive as more established methods.
Subject(s)
Adrenergic alpha-Agonists/therapeutic use , Imidazoles/therapeutic use , Sinusitis/drug therapy , Adrenergic alpha-Agonists/administration & dosage , Adult , Female , Humans , Imidazoles/administration & dosage , Male , Paranasal Sinuses/physiopathology , Sinusitis/physiopathologyABSTRACT
A new method of measuring nasal volume has been developed called 'Manometric Rhinometry'. We describe the principle behind its use and present the results of measuring two groups of normal children aged 4-10. The total volume of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and postnasal space in these children averaged 81 ml in 4-year olds and 140 ml in 10-year olds when measured using an open cell foam plug. Where a rigid nasal tip was used the volume averaged 67 ml in 4-year olds rising to 99 ml in 8-year olds. Correlation with age, weight, height and head circumference showed the greatest correlation with height (r = 0.66). Multiple regression analysis did not add further explanatory power.
