Overview of Nasal Airway and Nasal Breathing Evaluation.

Several methods are available for evaluating nasal breathing and nasal airflow, as this evaluation may be made from several different perspectives.Physiologic methods for nasal airway evaluation directly measure nasal airflow or nasal airway resistance, while anatomical methods measure nasal airway dimensions. Subjective methods evaluate nasal breathing through several validated patient-reported scales assessing nasal breathing. Computational fluid dynamics evaluates nasal airflow through the analysis of several physics' variables of the nasal airway.Being familiar to these methods is of utmost importance for the nasal surgeon to be able to understand data provided by the different methods and to be able to choose the combination of evaluation methods that will provide the information most relevant to each clinical situation.

Algorithm for Nasal Breathing Impairment Evaluation.

Assessing patients with complaints of nasal obstruction has traditionally been done by evaluation of the nasal airway looking for fixed or dynamic obstructive locations that could impair nasal airflow. Not infrequently, however, symptoms of nasal obstruction do not match the clinical examination of the nasal airway. Addressing this subset of patients may be a challenge to the surgeon. Evaluation of patients with symptoms of nasal obstruction should include a combination of a patient-reported assessment of nasal breathing and at least one objective method for measuring nasal airflow or nasal airway resistance or dimensions. This will allow distinction between patients with symptoms of nasal obstruction and low airflow or high nasal airway resistance and patients with similar symptoms but whose objective evaluation demonstrates normal nasal airflow or normal airway dimensions or resistance. Patients with low nasal airflow or high nasal airway resistance will require treatment to increase nasal airflow as a necessary step to improve symptoms, whereas patients with normal nasal airflow or nasal airway resistance will require a multidimensional assessment looking for less obvious causes of impaired nasal breathing sensation.

Impact of different fracture types in the pyriform buttress area on nasal airway function.

INTRODUCTION: Fractures in the pyriform buttress area adversely affect facial appearance and nasal airway patency. Nasal airway function has received less attention than aesthetic problems in the literature. This retrospective study classified the different fracture types in this area and determined their impact on nasal airway function. MATHODS: Three-dimensional computed tomography images of patients with fractures in the pyriform buttress area were analyzed to identify the exact fracture pattern. The nasal airway functions were evaluated and compared between patients with different fracture patterns using acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry, and the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scale. RESULTS: Overall, 47 patients, including 16 with type I fractures (high fracture line; group I), 16 with type II fractures (intermediate fracture line; group II), and 15 with type III fractures (low fracture line; group III), were included in the study. The mean minimal cross-sectional area (MCA), total nasal inspiratory resistance (Tri) and total nasal expiratory resistance (Tre) of group I were 0.51 ± 0.06 cm2, 1.67 ± 0.11 kPa L-1 s-1, and 1.66 ± 0.12 kPa L-1 s-1, respectively; those of group II were 0.48 ± 0.07 cm2, 1.89 ± 0.15 kPa L-1 s-1, and 1.88 ± 0.14 kPa L-1 s-1, respectively; and those of group III were 0.36 ± 0.04 cm2, 1.94 ± 0.21 kPa L-1 s-1, and 2.01 ± 0.34 kPa L-1 s-1, respectively. The nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale scores for groups I, II, and III were 7.188, 9.813, and 13.27, respectively. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the severity of the nasal airway obstruction depends on the displacement of the fractured bones in patients with fractures in the pyriform buttress area. The most profound nasal obstruction occurs in patients with the lowest fracture line.

Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF) for Nasal Breathing Evaluation.

Measuring nasal airflow and nasal breathing has been a major goal of rhinology. Many objective methods for measuring nasal airflow or nasal airway resistance or dimensions provide valuable data but are time-consuming and require expensive equipment and trained technicians, thus making these methods less practical for clinical practice. Peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) measurement is fast, unexpensive, noninvasive, and able to provide an objective evaluation of nasal airflow in real-time. Unilateral PNIF measurements allow separated evaluation of each side of the nasal airway and may prove particularly useful when clinical assessment detects significant asymmetry between both nasal cavities.PNIF measurements are most useful for assessing changes in nasal airflow achieved by any form of therapy, including surgical treatment of the nasal airway. These measurements generally correlate with other objective methods for nasal airway evaluation, but not unequivocally with patient-reported evaluation of nasal breathing. Nevertheless, as low PNIF values prevent the sensation of a suitable nasal breathing, PNIF measurement may also prove useful to optimize the decision of how to best address patients with complaints of nasal airway obstruction.

Evaluation of nasal airway resistance in a cohort of children with primary snoring and maxillary deficiency.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to test whether rapid palatal expansion is effective to improve nasal airway patency in a sample of pediatric patients with primary snoring. METHODS: A group of 21 subjects, 11 girls (52%) and 10 boys (48%), with a mean age of 7.1 years (SD=1.3; range 4-9 years) were treated with a rapid maxillary expansion (RME) device. Nasal airway resistance was assessed via rhinomanometric exam before (pre-) and 6 months after (post-) the rapid palatal expansion treatment. RESULTS: Data analysis showed a statistically significant increase in the mean scores of the results of the rhinomanometric exam between the pre- and post-measurements with a significant reduction in total inspiratory and expiratory air resistance values after rapid palatal expansion. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that RME treatment is associated with an improvement in nasal airway resistance due to a substantial reduction in nasal resistance associated with the orthopedic action of the orthodontic device.

Patência nasal em crianças respiradoras orais / Nasal patency in mouth breathing children

RESUMO Vários estudos mostram a importância da avaliação quantitativa na patência nasal e do estado funcional das vias aéreas superiores para fornecer informações clínicas e diagnósticas em indivíduos respiradores orais, as quais são de grande interesse para a fonoaudiologia. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da irrigação de solução salina nasal nas vias aéreas superiores através da aeração nasal e rinomanometria anterior ativa em crianças respiradoras orais. Estudo de série de oito casos, realizado em crianças com idades entre 7 e 10 anos, com diagnóstico clínico otorrinolaringológico de respiração oral. O estudo consistiu em três etapas: avaliação inicial; intervenção e avaliação final. Foram aplicados os questionários do Índice de Identificação dos Sinais e Sintomas da Respiração Oral e qualidade de vida específica para doenças em pacientes pediátricos com queixas sinonasais. Realizaram-se as avaliações da aeração nasal e o exame da rinomanometria anterior ativa. A intervenção foi realizada por meio da irrigação de solução salina nasal com 10 ml. Em seguida, os pacientes foram reavaliados pela avaliação da aeração nasal e rinomanometria, para comparar os resultados. Em relação à avaliação da aeração nasal e rinomanometria, das 16 medidas comparativas entre pré e pós-irrigação nasal, constataram-se mudanças significativas na aeração nasal e na resistência nasal. A irrigação nasal resultou em melhora nas medidas da aeração nasal, enquanto para o fluxo nasal da rinomanometria, as medidas permaneceram inalteradas entre pré e pós-irrigação nasal.

ABSTRACT Several studies have shown the importance of quantitative assessment in nasal patency and functional status of the upper airways to provide clinical and diagnostic information in oral breather individuals, which are of great interest to speech therapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of nasal saline solution irrigation on the upper airways through nasal aeration and active anterior rhinomanometry in oral breathing children. This was an eight case series study, carried out in children aged 7 to 10 years with an otorhinolaryngological clinical diagnosis of mouth breathing. The study consisted of three stages: (I) initial evaluation; (II) intervention; and (III) final evaluation. The questionnaires of the Index for the Identification of Oral Breathing Signs and Symptoms and disease-specific quality of life in pediatric patients with sinonasal complaints were applied, nasal aeration assessments and the anterior active rhinomanometry exam were carried out. The intervention was performed by irrigating nasal saline solution with 10ml. Afterwards, they were re-evaluated by nasal aeration evaluation and rhinomanometry to compare the results. Regarding nasal aeration and rhinomanometry evaluation, from the 16 comparative measurements between pre and post nasal irrigation, we obtained significant changes in nasal aeration and nasal resistance. Nasal irrigation resulted in improvement in nasal aeration measurements while nasal flow measurements from rhinomanometry remained unchanged considering pre and post nasal irrigation.

Comparison of rhinomanometric and computational fluid dynamic assessment of nasal resistance with respect to measurement accuracy.

PURPOSE: Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based calculation of intranasal airflow became an important method in rhinologic research. Current evidence shows weak to moderate correlation as well as a systematic underprediction of nasal resistance by numerical simulations. In this study, we investigate whether these differences can be explained by measurement uncertainties caused by rhinomanometric devices and procedures. Furthermore, preliminary findings regarding the impact of tissue movements are reported. METHODS: A retrospective sample of 17 patients, who reported impaired nasal breathing and for which rhinomanometric (RMM) measurements using two different devices as well as computed tomography scans were available, was investigated in this study. Three patients also exhibited a marked collapse of the nasal valve. Agreement between both rhinomanometric measurements as well as between rhinomanometry and CFD-based calculations was assessed using linear correlation and Bland-Altman analyses. These analyses were performed for the volume flow rates measured at trans-nasal pressure differences of 75 and 150 Pa during inspiration and expiration. RESULTS: The correlation between volume flow rates measured using both RMM devices was good (R2 > 0.72 for all breathing states), and no relevant differences in measured flow rates was observed (21.6 ml/s and 14.8 ml/s for 75 and 150 Pa, respectively). In contrast, correlation between RMM and CFD was poor (R2 < 0.5) and CFD systematically overpredicted RMM-based flow rate measurements (231.8 ml/s and 328.3 ml/s). No differences between patients with and without nasal valve collapse nor between inspiration and expiration were observed. CONCLUSION: Biases introduced during RMM measurements, by either the chosen device, the operator or other aspects as for example the nasal cycle, are not strong enough to explain the gross differences commonly reported between RMM- and CFD-based measurement of nasal resistance. Additionally, tissue movement during breathing is most likely also no sufficient explanation for these differences.

Clinical parameters influencing the results of anterior rhinomanometry in children.

BACKGROUND: Nasal obstruction is a frequent symptom in both adults and children and it is a common reason to see an otorhinolaryngologist. Endoscopy of the nasal cavity and the epipharyngeal space along with anterior rhinomanometry is regarded the gold standard since many years to estimate the severity of nasal obstruction in the particular patient. Endoscopy shows anatomical reasons for an obstruction, whereas the nasal flow volume and nasal resistance can be determined using anterior rhinomanometry. Currently, there are only few data available for rhinomanometry results in children. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the application of this technique in the pediatric population for objective evaluation of nasal flow. Whether it achieves reproducible results and which clinical parameters have some influence on the results were studied. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 427 children (average age of 8.5 years, range 7 months through 17 years) who were admitted to evaluate nasal patency or for allergy testing were examined. After clinical examination and endoscopy of the nasal cavity and epipharyngeal space, anterior rhinomanometry was performed before and after application of decongestant nose drops separately for each nose side in 334 children. The nasal flow with a pressure of 150 Pasc was measured and served for statistical evaluation. Flow values were correlated to clinical and endoscopic parameters along with results of allergy tests (prick tests). RESULTS: Reproducible rhinomanometric measurements were possible in children age 3 years and older. However, the standard deviation and variation of measurements were significant in this cohort of patients. Statistically highest significant correlations were found between flow measurements and body height along with the age of the children (p < 0.01) and status following adenoidectomy (p < 0.05). No statistically significant correlations were found between rhinomanometry and results of prick tests. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that rhinomanometry can be applied in the pediatric population for objective evaluation of nasal obstruction and for determining the effects of decongestant nose drops. The highest correlation was found between nasal flow and children's body height, children's age and status following adenoidectomy. The correlation between nasal flow and clinically/endoscopically determined degree of nasal obstruction was lower. However, definition of normal flow values for particular age groups is challenging since the results showed high variation and standard deviation. Yet with regard to individual patient, the technique achieves reliable results in nasal provocation tests, which are widely used for allergy testing in children. When performed in children it should always be considered that there are age-specific requirements for the examination and interpretation of results in this patient cohort.

Agreement between rhinomanometry and computed tomography-based computational fluid dynamics.

PURPOSE: Active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR) and computed tomography (CT) are standardized methods for the evaluation of nasal obstruction. Recent attempts to correlate AAR with CT-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) have been controversial. We aimed to investigate this correlation and agreement based on an in-house developed procedure. METHODS: In a pilot study, we retrospectively examined five subjects scheduled for septoplasty, along with preoperative digital volume tomography and AAR. The simulation was performed with Sailfish CFD, a lattice Boltzmann code. We examined the correlation and agreement of pressure derived from AAR (RhinoPress) and simulation (SimPress) and these of resistance during inspiration by 150 Pa pressure drop derived from AAR (RhinoRes150) and simulation (SimRes150). For investigation of correlation between pressures and between resistances, a univariate analysis of variance and a Pearson's correlation were performed, respectively. For investigation of agreement, the Bland-Altman method was used. RESULTS: The correlation coefficient between RhinoPress and SimPress was r = 0.93 (p < 0.001). RhinoPress was similar to SimPress in the less obstructed nasal side and two times greater than SimPress in the more obstructed nasal side. A moderate correlation was found between RhinoRes150 and SimRes150 (r = 0.65; p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: The simulation of rhinomanometry pressure by CT-based CFD seems more feasible with the lattice Boltzmann code in the less obstructed nasal side. In the more obstructed nasal side, error rates of up to 100% were encountered. Our results imply that the pressure and resistance derived from CT-based CFD and AAR were similar, yet not same.

The potential role of peak nasal inspiratory flow to evaluate active sinonasal inflammation and disease severity.

Although the pathophysiology of nasal polyposis is incompletely understood, rhinologists have seldom studied it with rhinomanometry or peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) due to technical limitations and the perception that polyp size might impair reproducibility and the usefulness of recordings. The objective of this study is to assess how measures of rhinomanometry and PNIF relate to disease activity. Nineteen patients with polyps, 15 patients with chronic sinusitis without polyps and 11 negative controls were evaluated with active anterior rhinomanometry and PNIF. Sinusitis and polyp patients were re-evaluated after medical treatment. Polyp patients had the highest median Lund-Mackay score (14) and a median Johansen score of 1. PNIF and its variation after treatment were also lowest in this group (median 90 L/min before and after treatment; median variation of 0 L/min). Nasal resistance was similar between groups, and only correlated with Johansen score (Spearman = 0.517, p = 0.048) after treatment. Our study suggests that evaluating polyp patients using rhinomanometry and PNIF may provide useful and reproducible data. Several findings considered together suggest that polyp size is not the main determinant of nasal functional changes in these patients, warranting further studies to verify whether PNIF changes reflect sinus inflammation or merely airway obstruction.

Role of rhinomanometry in the prediction of therapeutic positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between nasal resistance in different posture and optimal positive airway pressure (PAP) level. Other potential factors were also assessed for possible influence on PAP pressure. METHODS: Forty- three patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were prospectively recruited in this study. Nasal resistance was assessed by active anterior rhinomanometry in a seated position and then in a supine position at pressures of 75, 150, and 300 pascal. The factors correlating with PAP pressure were analyzed, including nasal resistance and patients' clinical data. RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed that PAP pressure was correlated to nasal resistance in the supine position at 75 and 150 pascal (SupineNR75 and SupineNR150) (P = 0.019 and P = 0.004 in Spearman's correlation coefficient analysis), but not correlated to nasal resistance in the seated position at different pressures or in the supine position at 300 pascal. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that both SupineNR150 and body mass index (BMI) significantly predicted PAP pressure (ß = 0.308, p = 0.044; ß = 0.727, p = 0.006). The final PAP pressure predictive model was: PAP pressure = 0.29 BMI + 2.65 SupineNR150 + 2.11. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal resistance in the supine position measured at 150 pascal may provide valuable information regarding optimal PAP pressure. Rhinomanometry should be included in the treatment algorithm of OSA patients when PAP therapy is considered.

Responsiveness of acoustic rhinometry to septorhinoplasty by comparison with rhinomanometry and subjective instruments.

OBJECTIVES: Nose patency measures and instruments assessing subjective health are increasingly being used in rhinology. However, there is very little evidence of comparing existing methods' responsiveness to change. We evaluated the responsiveness of acoustic rhinometry to nasal valve surgery by comparison with rhinomanometry and patient-reported outcome instruments. DESIGN: Prospective case-control study. SETTING: Tertiary referral University Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty consecutive patients with internal nasal valve dysfunction and 20 healthy volunteers as control group were enrolled. Prospectively collected data included acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry, NOSE scale, SNOT-23 questionnaire, visual analogue scale and demographics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary endpoint was the responsiveness of acoustic rhinometry to functional septorhinoplasty surgery at 3 months. Secondary endpoints were ability of acoustic rhinometry to reflect "known group" differences and correlation to subjective symptoms. RESULTS: Acoustic rhinometry was highly responsive to septorhinoplasty (P < 0.0001) while anterior rhinomanometry was not (P = 0.08). Based on the quartiles of the postoperative change in NOSE score, patients were classified as, respectively, non-responders, mild, moderate and good responders to surgery. Logistic regression model showed that acoustic rhinometry was able to discriminate non-responders to responders to surgery (P = 0.019), while anterior rhinomanometry failed (P = 0.611). Sensitivity and specificity of acoustic rhinometry were significantly higher (ROC area = 0.76) than rhinomanometry (ROC area = 0.48). Acoustic rhinometry was also superior than rhinomanometry to discriminate patients from control subjects and agreed better with patients-based subjective questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms and quantifies the responsiveness of acoustic rhinometry to nasal valve surgery, with a higher sensitivity and specificity than rhinomanometry.

New wand coblation turbinator vs coblation radiofrequency.

INTRODUCTION: Inferior turbinate hypertrophy is a common reason of nasal obstruction. One of the most preferred surgical metod is radiofrequency tecnique. Coblation submucosal reduction turbinator (SCT);new surgical device; started to use recently. Since the method is new, very few study has been done yet. We compare coblation radiofrequency (CR) with SCT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with only inferior turbinate hypertrophy but no other diseases included in study. Paranasal CT was made to all patient to rule out turbinate bone hypertrophy. Group 1 32 patient; performed CR. Group 2 25 patients performed SCT. To all patients preoperative and 3 weeks later post operative mucosiliary activity test was performed. Nasal flow was measured with nasal flow meter preoperatively and 3 weeks post operatively. VAS and NOSE was measured. Results compared between two groups. SCT performed under general; CR performed under local anesthesia. RESULTS: There was significant nasal flow changes in CR group. (p < 0.001) There was no difference in pre-and-post operatively saccharin test results in CR group. (p = 0.385) There was slightly nasal flow gain in SCT group but this was not statistically significant. (p < 0.192) Also there was no statistically significant changes in pre-and-post operatively saccharin test results in SCT group. (p = 0.167) There was no difference between two groups in terms of post operative nasal flow values and mucociliary activity. (respectively p = 0.562, p = 0.355). (Table 2). Both two tecnique has significant increase in VAS and NOSE scores. (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: According to our study two tecnique is suitable and safe for nasal mucociliary activity. Tecniques has positive effect on nasal flow, VAS and NOSE scores.

Endoscopic versus conventional septoplasty: objective/subjective data on 276 patients.

PURPOSE: Endoscopic approach represents a valid alternative to conventional septoplasty. The aim of this study is to analyze the objective and subjective data on 276 patients, who underwent traditional (147) or endoscopic (129) septoplasty. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study on 276 consecutive patients affected by deviated nasal septum (DNS), who underwent isolated septoplasty between 2011 and 2018. 147 of them were treated using an "open" approach, while 129 were treated with an endoscopic approach. The two groups were compared 3 months after surgery: the objective results (complications such as bleeding, hematoma, pain, synechiae, septal tears and incomplete correction), objective (rhinomanometric data) and subjective measurements (NOSE questionnaires). RESULTS: Both techniques are effective in decreasing nasal obstruction and discharge. Complications such as pain, synechiae, early postoperative bleeding, septal tears and incomplete correction are less frequent in the endoscopic group (p < 0.05). The rhinomanometric analysis reveal improvement in both groups without statistical differences. Subjective questionnaires show a good symptoms relief with an improved quality of life in all 276 patients without statistical difference between the two gropus. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques are effective in reducing nasal obstruction and related symptoms with fewer overall complications in the endoscopic approach. The endoscope provides improved field of view, less mucosal damages and a more anatomic dissection. Finally, such approach can be a valuable teaching tool for assistants, residents and students.

Impact of Le-Fort I osteotomy on anatomical and functional aspects of the nasal airway and on quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: Orthognathic surgery is a well-established procedure for skeletal deformities. Beneficial influences to the posterior airway space (PAS) have been described, but little is known about the subjective aesthetical and functional nasal aspects after orthognathic surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate nasal airflow by anterior rhinomanometry and volumetric changes in the nasal airway space after mono- or bimaxillary surgery using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and a new segmentation software. Furthermore, changes of patient's quality of life (QoL) should be assessed. METHODS: Ten patients (9 skeletal class malformation III, 1 skeletal class malformation I) were included. CBCT images, rhinological inspections and anterior rhinomanometries were performed before (T0) and after surgery (T1). All patients completed the FROI-17, the ROE and the SF-36 questionnaires. RESULTS: A significant postoperative gain for nasal airway volume compared with the baseline was shown (p < 0.014). No statistically significant differences between pre- and postoperative flow rates were found (p = 0.114). Pre- and postoperative cohorts did not differ in responses of disease-specific (ROE and FROI-17) and generic QoL questionnaires (SF-36). CONCLUSION: Maxillary relocation surgery leads to a significant increase in nasal airway space. Subjectively, orthognathic patients did not experience any functional but psychosocial aspects after bimaxillary surgery.

Computational Fluid Dynamics in the assessment of nasal obstruction in children.

OBJECTIVES: Nasal obstruction is a highly subjective symptom. It can be evaluated by combining clinical examination, imaging and functional measurements such as active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR). In pediatrics, AAR is often impossible because it requires the participation of the child. Airflow modeling by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been developed since the early 1990s, mostly in adults. This study is the first to describe a methodology of "numerical rhinomanometry" in children using CFD and to evaluate the feasibility and the clinical interest of this new tool. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five children aged from 8 to 15 years, complaining of nasal obstruction, underwent routine management including clinical evaluation, AAR, and CT-scanning. CT acquisitions were used for CFD calculations and numerical rhinomanometry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In the 5 children, the results of CFD were concordant with clinical complaints and examination. In 3 children, AAR and CFD were concordant. In one patient, CFD corrected the results of AAR. In one patient, AAR was not feasible, unlike CFD, which contributed to diagnosis. This study highlighted the feasibility of CFD in children and that it can support or refute diagnosis of nasal obstruction with good reliability. These results indicate that CFD modeling could be widely used for functional exploration in pediatric rhinology.

A simple, quick, validated method of recording the nasal cycle in humans using a subjective scale.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the nasal cycle can be limited by time-consuming rhinomanometric measurements. However, quantifiable subjective assessment of nasal airflow has been limited by poor correlation with rhinomanometric data, even when investigating patients with a deviated nasal septum. METHODS: Thirty healthy participants attended two study days for rhinomanometric and subjective assessment of nasal airflow (using the subjective ordinal scale). A nasal partitioning ratio was calculated for both measures. RESULTS: Objective and subjective nasal partitioning ratios were compared; strong correlations were seen, with a correlation coefficient of 0.64 (p < 0.00001) on day 1 and 0.68 (p < 0.00001) on day 2. CONCLUSION: The use of the subjective ordinal scale and nasal partitioning ratio provides a sensitive tool for assessing relative nasal airflow, with results that correlate strongly with rhinomanometric data. This finding strongly suggests that this combination could be used for future subjective assessment of the nasal cycle.

Nasal function before and after rapid maxillary expansion in children: A randomized, prospective, controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: Children can well detect and respond to odours in order to have information about food and environment. Rapid Maxillary Expansion seems to improve dental and skeletal crossbite and increase nasal patency correcting oral respiration in children. A previous pilot study suggested that Rapid Maxillary Expansion may lead to improved N-Butanol olfactory thresholds, and peak nasal inspiratory flow values (PNIF). The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate olfactory threshold, nasal flows and nasal resistances in children aged from 6 to 11 years before and after Rapid Maxillary Expansion, comparing treated children with a control group of similar age, growth stage (prepubertal) and transversal skeletal deficiency. METHODS: N-butanol olfactory thresholds, anterior active rhinomanometry (AAR) and PNIF were measured in 11 children (6-11 years) before (T0), immediately and 6 months after Rapid Maxillary Expansion application (T1 and T2 respectively), and in a control group of 11 children (6-11 years) whose members remained under observation for the period of the study. RESULTS: Considering the study group, PNIF values improved at T1 respect to the T0 values (p = 0.003), while T2 values were significantly higher than T0 ones (p = 0.0002). N-Butanol Olfactory Threshold significantly improved at each control (p = 0.01, p = 0,01 and p = 0.0003, for T1 vs T0, T2 vs T1, T2 vs T0 respectively). No differences on AAR values were found during the six months follow-up in this group. Considering the control group, no significant differences were found for any of the considered variables during the time of the study. Comparing the two groups, there was a significant increase of PNIF values in the study group compared to the control group (p = 0.003) at T1, which was even more evident six months after Rapid Maxillary Expansion (p = 0.0005). This improvement was not shown by AAR values. N-Butanol Olfactory Threshold showed a significant improvement at T2 respect to T1 (p = 0.002) and T0 (p = 0.0005). CONCLUSION: Rapid Maxillary Expansion seems to significantly improve the respiratory capacity of treated patients, at least in terms of PNIF, and their olfactory function, measured by N-Butanol Olfactory Threshold Test. Further studies should be performed to evaluate if also changes in nasal resistances, measured by AAR, could occur, maybe considering a larger group of subjects and possibly using 4-phase rhinomanometry in order to evaluate the effective resistances during the entire breath.

Improving the rhinomanometry technique using benzoin tincture.

OBJECTIVE: In order to achieve a faster and more reliable anterior rhinomanometric evaluation, nasal skin was prepared using benzoin tincture solution, which provides simpler and better adhesion of the foam tape to the nasal skin. METHOD: Two consecutive anterior rhinomanometry measurements were made, one with and one without benzoin tincture application. RESULTS: The average time taken to perform classic foam tape anterior rhinomanometry without benzoin tincture application was 281.32 seconds, and the average coefficients of variation for the right and left passages were 7.48 and 7.59 per cent, respectively. When benzoin tincture was used, the average time taken for completion of the tests was 121.24 seconds, and the average coefficients of variation for the right and left passages were 2.17 and 2.32 per cent. CONCLUSION: The use of benzoin tincture to clean the nasal skin before placing foam tape shortens the procedure duration and significantly increases test reliability.

Patient experience of nasal obstruction and its clinical assessment.

BACKGROUND: The correlation between objective and subjective nasal obstruction is poor, and dissatisfaction rates after surgery for nasal obstruction are high. Accordingly, novel assessment techniques may be required. This survey aimed to determine patient experience and preferences for the measurement of nasal obstruction. METHOD: Prospective survey of rhinology patients. RESULTS: Of 72 questionnaires distributed, 60 were completed (response rate of 83 per cent). Obstruction duration (more than one year) (χ2 = 13.5, p = 0.00024), but not obstruction severity, affected willingness to spend more time being assessed. Questionnaires (48 per cent) and nasal inspiratory peak flow measurement (53 per cent) are the most commonly used assessment techniques. Forty-nine per cent of participants found their assessment unhelpful in understanding their obstruction. Eighty-two per cent agreed or strongly agreed that a visual and numerical aid would help them understand their blockage. CONCLUSION: Many patients are dissatisfied with current assessment techniques; a novel device with visual or numerical results may help. Obstruction duration determines willingness to undergo longer assessment.