Changes in the cross-sections of the nasal cavity assessed by acoustic rhinometry in the study population as a guideline for attempts to standardize nasal provocation tests.

Introduction: A specific difficulty in the standardization of nasal allergen challenge tests as measured by acoustic rhinometry is the lack of reference values measured according to dependent changes, for example height and weight/height- or weight-dependent changes. Human growth and development rates and other changes the human body undergoes throughout the lifetime depend closely on the environment, sex, and race. Aim: To assess selected anthropometric (body weight and height) and rhinometric (nasal cross-sectional areas) measurements concerning subject age and sex. Material and methods: The study was conducted in 633 subjects selected in multistage, stratified sampling (324 females and 309 males). Body weight and height were measured with a sliding weight scale and height measure. Nasal cavity cross-sectional areas were measured via acoustic rhinometry. Results: We observed parallel increases in the evaluated anthropometric measurements and nasal cavity cross-sectional areas both in males and females aged ≤ 14 years, with the two sexes starting to differ significantly in terms of those measurements over the age of 14 (p < 0.0001; p < 0.000001). The evaluated rhinometric measurements showed a greater correlation with height than with body weight. The time of the most diversified and dynamic changes in anthropomorphic measurements was the age of > 12 years: with boys demonstrating significantly higher mean values of height and body weight than girls. Conclusions: Height showed a better correlation with rhinometric measurements (cross-sectional area of the nasal cavity) in younger subjects (at their age of development) than in older ones.

The normal ranges of selected acoustic rhinometry parameters depending on age and sex-component of standarization in nasal provocation test.

Introduction: Acoustic rhinometry is a non-invasive method of measuring intranasal spaces. As one of the objective techniques for nasal patency, it plays a critical role in evaluating the nasal allergen challenge.Aim: To establish the typical ranges of selected AR parameters for age and sex. Material and methods: The study was conducted in a group of 583 randomly selected subjects (329 females and 254 males). Acoustic rhinometry was done before and 15 min after a two-time application of 0.1% solution of the decongestant xylomethazoline. The evaluated AR parameters (the cross-sectional area 1 (CSA-1) at the level of the isthmus nasi and the distance between the external nares and the isthmus nasi (dCSA-1)) were measured separately for both nasal cavities. Another evaluated parameter was the mean CSA measured 3 cm beyond CSA-1 on the AR curve (CSA-3). Results: The site of the minimum CSA on the acoustic rhinometry curve in the study group was the second notch on the acoustic rhinometry curve (CSA-1), corresponding to the nasal isthmus. With increasing age of the subjects, we observed a systematic increase in nasal spaces. The difference between sexes reached statistical significance at the ages of 17 years and older. Conclusions: The evaluated males show larger nasal cavity volumes than females. The difference between the sexes reaches statistical significance at older ages.

[Acoustic rhinometry--examination technique and discussion of the recommendation of the Committee for Standardisation of Acoustic Rhinometry, European Rhinologic Association ]. / Rynometria akustyczna--technika badania i omówienie zalecen Komitetu Standaryzacji Rynometrii Akustycznej Europejskiego Towarzystwa Rynologicznego.

Acoustic rhinometry (AR) is a technique of nasal patency assessment, ever more frequently used in clinical practice. As yet, no generally accepted recommendations has been developed concerning the method of examination performing. In the paper the technique of examination is presented and the recommendations of the Committee for Standardisation of Acoustic Rhinometry, European Rhinologic Association are discussed.

[Relationship between inflammation of upper and lower respiratory airways]. / Powiazania pomiedzy zapaleniami górnych i dolnych dróg oddechowych.

Dysfunction of the upper and lower airways frequently coexists, and they appear to share key elements of pathogenesis. Data from epidemiologic studies indicate that nasal symptoms are experienced by as many as 78% of patients with asthma and that asthma is experienced by as many as 38% of patients with allergic rhinitis. Among patients with nasal polyps 27-51% have asthma. Polyps of nasal mucosa usually exacerbates symptoms of concomitant asthma. Studies also have identified a temporal relation between the onset of rhinitis and asthma, with rhinitis frequently preceding the development of asthma. Patients with allergic rhinitis and no clinical evidence of asthma commonly exhibit nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsivenes. The mechanisms upper and lower airway dysfunction are under investigation. They include nasal-bronchial reflex, mouth breathing caused by nasal obstruction, and pulmonary aspiration of nasal contents. Nasal allergen challenge results in increases in lower airway reactivity within 30 minutes, suggesting a neural reflex. Improvements in asthma associated with increased nasal breathing may be the result of superior humidification, warming of inspired air, and decreased inhalation of airborne allergens. Postnasal drainage of inflammatory cells during sleep also may affect lower airway responsiveness. The effective management of allergic rhinitis relieves symptoms of asthma. A link between allergic rhinitis and asthma is evident from epidemiologic, pathophysiologic, and clinical studies. The development of differential diagnosis of rhinitis has multiplied their present classifications. This article presents classifications of rhinitis connected with lower airways dysfunction.