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The septal L-strut extension graft (SLEG) consists of anterior extended spreader graft and caudal septal extension graft. SLEG is used to increase the anterocaudal projection from a low-profile nose by creating the de-novo septum. This retrospective study verified the effectiveness of SLEG in improving the nasal function in East Asians. Medical records of patients who underwent septorhinoplasty with SLEG were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical features showed under-projected lower two-thirds of the nose with septal deviation, saddle nose, and short nose. We analyzed the post-operative changes in the NOSE score and variables of nasal geometry measured using acoustic rhinometry through long-term follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups, those who underwent SLEG with turbinoplasty (Group A) and SLEG alone (group B). The NOSE scores decreased significantly in groups A and B, and the improvement was statistically more significant in Group A (p < 0.05). Acoustic rhinometry showed an increase in nasal cavity volume (VOL1) on the deviated side in Group A, and an increase in minimal cross-sectional area 1 (MCA1) on the deviated side in Group B (p < 0.05). The non-deviated side did not show significant reduction in MCA1 and VOL1 after SLEG with or without turbinoplasty. Thus, SLEG, by itself, improved airway function in East Asians. SLEG has proven to be valuable in improving nasal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nasal obstruction is one of the main symptoms of different nasal pathologies. Many physiological and pathological conditions can produce nasal airflow impairment causing nasal obstruction and affecting patients' quality of life. There are different methods for the measurement of nasal obstruction, but in clinical practice the most common used are acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry, and peak nasal inspiratory flow. This review describes the fundamentals of acoustic rhinometry, its normal values, the different physiological and pathological conditions that can modify nasal patency, and the utility of this instrument for the measurement of nasal obstruction in clinical practice. Acoustic rhinometry is a simple test, so it is suitable for measurements in the pediatric population, i.e., for evaluating adenoid hypertrophy. Acoustic rhinometry normal values are available, unilaterally and bilaterally for pediatric and adult populations. Acoustic rhinometry has been demonstrated to be reproducible and even superior to rhinomanometry when measuring nasal modifications during challenges. It is possible to use acoustic rhinometry before and after nasal surgery. Measuring nasal cavities volume and cross-sectional area, acoustic rhinometry is particularly indicated in rhinosurgery, especially for the evaluation of spreader grafts. Brief considerations about the correlation between nasal symptoms, in particular the subjective sensation of nasal obstruction, and the acoustic rhinometry results as well as the correlation of acoustic rhinometry with other methods for the measurement of nasal obstruction are also reported. Objective and subjective evaluation of nasal obstruction gives different information that together optimizes the diagnosis and the treatment of rhinologic patients. Acoustic rhinometry alone or in combination of other instruments for the measurement of nasal obstruction or patency should be used regularly in every outpatient clinic that treats patients with nasal obstruction as there is an increasing need of evidence-based therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims A catheter is inserted through the nasal cavity during high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM), which may cause adverse events such as pain or epistaxis. Despite these possible safety considerations, studies on this subject are very limited. We aimed to investigate the usefulness of nasal cavity evaluation before HRM to reduce the risk of adverse events and test failure. Methods Patients who underwent HRM after consultation with the ear-nose-throat department for nasal evaluation were retrospectively enrolled between December 2021 and May 2022. The included patients had a previous history of sinonasal disease or surgery or had subjective nasal discomfort. All patients answered the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) questionnaire, and subjective nasal discomfort was scored using a visual analog scale. Nasal endoscopy and acoustic rhinometry were performed for disease evaluation and volumetric assessment. Results The analysis included 22 patients with a mean age of 58.9 years. The mean SNOT-22 score was 24.2, and 16 patients (72.7%) complained of subjective nasal obstruction. The HRM catheter was successfully inserted in 20 patients (90.9%), without any significant adverse events. The objective measurement outcomes of acoustic rhinometry and sinus endoscopy did not always correspond to subjective symptoms. Narrowed nasal airways unresponsive to decongestants were observed in two patients with failed catheter insertion. Conclusions To reduce the risk of adverse events and test failure during HRM, a site-specific questionnaire to evaluate nasal obstruction might be helpful. When nasal obstruction is suspected, objective nasal cavity evaluation could be recommended for the safe and successful performance of HRM.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differential diagnosis of the local allergic reaction is mainly based on conjunctival, nasal and bronchial provocation tests, which, in theory, may lead to further treatment. The most common local response can be observed in the nasal mucosa. In the long run, it may manifest itself by coexisting local reactions in other areas such as the eye and/or bronchial tree. In a 45-year-old patient who has been experiencing health problems typical for grass/grain allergy for nearly 10 years, two challenges were carried out, i.e. nasal and conjunctival provocation tests, and the latter elicited a highly positive response to the applied allergen compared to the intranasal route. When there are clinical discrepancies in the local allergic reaction, allergen provocation tests should be considered in the differential diagnosis and, when the results are negative, conjunctival challenge should be considered as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many methods and types of equipment for measuring the nasal airway, but there is no consensus regarding the results of various clinical studies on nasal obstruction. In this review, we discuss the two major methods of objectively assessing the nasal airway: rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry. The Japanese standard of rhinomanometry in Japanese adults and children was established by the Japanese Standardization Committee on Rhinomanometry in 2001 and 2018, respectively. However, the International Standardization Committee has proposed different standards because of differences in race, equipment, and social health insurance systems. The standardization of acoustic rhinometry in Japanese adults is making progress in several Japanese institutes, but the international standardization of acoustic rhinometry has not yet begun. Rhinomanometry is the physiological expression of nasal airway breathing, whereas acoustic rhinometry is the anatomic expression. In this review, we introduce the history and methods of the objective assessment of nasal patency and the physiological and pathological issues regarding nasal obstruction.

Objectives: In this study, we investigated the effect of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) on gustatory function in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Methods: Forty-three patients with CRS who underwent FESS were included in this study. Prior to FESS and 3 months after surgery, the severity of rhinosinusitis was assessed using the Taiwanese version of the 22-item SNOT (SNOT-22), endoscopic examination, and acoustic rhinometry. The olfactory function was evaluated using the phenylethyl alcohol odor detection threshold test and the traditional Chinese version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, and the gustatory function was evaluated using the whole mouth suprathreshold taste test (WMTT) and the taste quad test (TQT). Subgroup analyses were performed based on CRS phenotypes and endotypes. Results: The SNOT-22 significantly improved 3 months after FESS for all patients with CRS. The endoscopic score and olfactory function significantly improved in patients with eosinophilic CRS and in patients with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). The WMTT sweet and bitter scores were significantly lower after FESS in CRSwNP, but the TQT sweet score was significantly higher in patients without nasal polyps. In addition, patients with noneosinophilic CRS had significantly decreased WMTT and salty scores 3 months after FESS. Conclusion: Our results showed that the effect of FESS on gustatory function of patients with CRS was different with the different testing procedures, the association with nasal polyps, and the underlying inflammatory patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Supine position reduces nasal patency compared with that in the sitting position; however, data on the effects of prone position on nasal patency is lacking. Methods: We assessed the nasal patency of 30 healthy individuals without upper respiratory tract disorders by using visual analog scale (VAS) score and acoustic rhinometry in 7 positions: sitting; frontal, right, and left supine; and frontal, right, and left prone. Results: According to the VAS scores, compared with that in the sitting position, both the supine and prone positions significantly increased subjective nasal obstruction (P <.001). The prone position had a more significant effect than did the supine position (P =.017). The results of minimal cross-sectional area measured through acoustic rhinometry demonstrated that both the supine and prone positions reduced the nasal patency significantly, but without significant differences between the effects of prone and supine positions (P =.794). Conclusion: This is the first study to elucidate that the prone position can significantly reduce the nasal patency in healthy individuals through subjective and objective assessments. Level of Evidence: IV [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the change of nasal patency after maxillary advancement and impaction (MAX ADV + IMP) in subjects with skeletal class III malocclusion (cases) and after removal of maxillary cysts in close proximity to the nasal floor in subjects that served as controls. NOSE score, volume derived by computed tomography (VOL), and acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry were retrospectively evaluated, before and one year after surgery. The movement of specific landmarks was also measured. NOSE score did not change after surgery, neither in 17 cases (p = 0.10) nor in 17 controls (p = 0.14). In cases, VOL postop (10088 ± 4200 mm3) was significantly higher than VOL preop (7807 ± 3721 mm3; p = 0.036). Maxillary advancement and inferior displacement of the ventral maxilla were noted by the movement of incisive foramen in the coronal (3.9 ± 5.4; p = 0.011) and Frankfurt Horizontal plane (2.2 ± 2.0; p = 0.001), respectively. In controls, VOL postop (9749 ± 3654 mm3) was also significantly higher than VOL preop (8473 ± 2624 mm3; p = 0.050). Cross-sectional areas, nasal flow and nasal resistance changed significantly after surgery in cases (6/30 pairs; p < 0.018), but not in controls (all p > 0.066). MAX ADV + IMP increased nasal patency, but did not change the feeling of nasal breathing. Physicians should proceed with caution when informing patients about improvement of nasal breathing after MAX ADV + IMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aimed to investigate the influences of age and gender on nasal airway patency, as measured by both active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR) and acoustic rhinometry (AR). The nasal airway patency of healthy subjects was evaluated using AAR and AR. In AAR, the subjects generated airflow actively through inspiration and expiration in repetitions of 10, while nasal patency was measured at an inspiratory and expiratory reference pressure of 75 Pa. In AR, we assessed the geometry of the nasal cavity through the analysis of sound waves reflected from the nasal cavities in order to measure both cross-sectional areas and nasal volumes. The subjects were divided by gender, with all males and females then grouped by ages of 20–39 years, 40–59 years and ≥60 years. There were 40 subjects in each group. The mean resistance measured by AAR and the cross-sectional areas and nasal volumes measured by AR were not different between the different age groups; however, the cross-sectional areas and nasal volumes were found to be lesser in females than in males. Our results showed that nasal airway patency was not affected by age, while females were shown to have wider nasal passages than males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The anterior nose is the nasal segment with the highest resistance to airflow. In a hospital-based case–control study, we compared cross-sectional areas of the nasal cavities anterior to the piriform aperture determined by computed tomography (CT-CSA) in patients with nasal obstruction (cases) and unselected patients with trauma unrelated to the head and face (controls). Methods: CT-CSA could be reproducibly identified at angles of 0o, 30°, 60°, and 90° to the nasal floor approximately perpendicular to the arcuate direction of nasal airflow using bony landmarks. CT-CSA were manually segmented and compared in cases and controls. In cases, we compared CT-CSA at 30° (CT-CSA30-narrow) with the minimum cross-sectional area determined by acoustic rhinometry (AR-MCA1-narrow), each on the narrower side. Results: CT-CSA ranged from 7 to 250 mm2 with an average of 100 mm2 per nasal side. Side differences of the nasal airways indicating asymmetry of the nasal airways were greater in 40 cases than in 44 controls (p < 0.003). Moreover, bilateral CT-CSA were significantly smaller in cases than in controls (p < 0.001). CT-CSA30-narrow did not significantly correlate with AR-MCA1-narrow (r = 0.33; p = 0.07) and on average was 58% smaller than AR-MCA1-narrow. Conclusions: Cross-sectional areas of the anterior nose perpendicular to the direction of nasal airflow, which is considered relevant in terms of flow physics, can be reliably measured using CT. Anterior nasal cavities in patients with nasal obstruction were more asymmetric and, as a whole, narrower than in controls, the latter of which is not corrected by routine septoplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study assessed correlations between pre- and post-operative objective and subjective nasal patency test results in patients undergoing septoplasty to treat nasal septum deviation. Method: Eighty nasal septum deviation patients who underwent septoplasty were prospectively enrolled. Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation questionnaire scores, anterior rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry data were compared pre-operatively and three months after surgery. The left, right and total volume and left, right and total minimum cross-sectional area acoustic rhinometry values were compared. Results: The left volume, total volume, left minimum cross-sectional area and total minimum cross-sectional area differed significantly between the two time-points (all p < 0.05). The total resistance, inspiratory total airflow, expiratory total resistance and expiratory total airflow rhinomanometric data did not differ between the two timepoints (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study suggested that subjective tests such as the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation questionnaire are optimal to identify complaints and assess post-operative satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The nasal allergen provocation test plays an important role in differential diagnostics of rhinitis. Due to its informative potential, the test is also becoming increasingly used in other areas of diagnostics, including the diagnostics of food allergies. Aim: To assess the reactivity of nasal mucosa to the cow's milk protein allergens (as being widely used in powdered form in the food industry). Material and methods: The study material consisted of a group of 31 healthy subjects not sensitized to environmental allergens including cow's milk protein allergens. The study method involved an incremental nasal provocation test with cow's milk protein evaluated using the visual analog scale and acoustic rhinometry. Results: A total of 29 out of 31 volunteers presented with a significant decrease in nasal patency (control solution: 1.112 ±0.161 vs. local allergen application 1.005 ±0.157; p < 0.004) as measured by acoustic rhinometry following the allergen dose of 12.5 µg. Slight changes in complaints were observed using the visual analog scale. Exposure to the widespread food allergens (including powdered cow's milk allergens) presents a potential risk of positive response in non-sensitized individuals. Conclusions: Further studies on dose standardization are necessary in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allergen exposure chamber (AEC) is a clinical facility that allows exposure to allergenic airborne particles in controlled environment. Although AECs offer stable levels of airborne allergens, the validation of symptoms and other endpoints induced by allergen challenge is key for their recommendation as a plausible tool for the assessment of patients, especially in clinical research. This study aimed to demonstrate the reproducibility of defined clinical endpoints after AEC house dust mite (HDM) challenge under optimal conditions in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). Method: HDM was distributed at different concentrations. The assessment was subjective by the patients: total nasal symptom score (TNSS), visual analog scale (VAS), and objective by the investigator: acoustic rhinometry, peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), and nasal secretion weight. Safety was assessed clinically and by peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1). Results: Constant environment: temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration were maintained during all challenges. The concentration of HDM on average remained stable within the targeted values: 1000, 3000, 5000, 7000 particles (p)/m3. Most symptoms were observed at concentrations 3000 p/m3 or higher. The symptoms severity and other endpoints results were reproducible. 5000 p/m3, and challenge duration of 120 min were found optimal. The procedure was safe with no lung function abnormalities due to challenge. Conclusion: HDM challenge in ALL‐MED AEC offers a safe and reliable method for inducing symptoms in AR patients for the use in controlled clinical studies including allergen immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a high-prevalence disorder found in the population. Studies have shown a possible association between nasal obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, but the existence of a association between the degree of nasal obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome severity has not yet been proven. Objective: To evaluate the internal nasal dimensions of adults with primary snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome by acoustic rhinometry and to correlate the findings with obstructive sleep apnea severity. Methods: Twenty-one male Caucasian subjects with complaints of snoring and/or respiratory pauses during sleep, aged between 18 and 60 years of age, were evaluated. After clinical evaluation, otorhinolaryngological examination and flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy, all patients underwent type III polysomnography. The participants were divided into two groups according to symptom severity: group 1, primary snoring and/or mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome(n = 9) and group 2, moderate/severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (n = 12). Internal nasal dimensions were measured by acoustic rhinometry, analyzing minimum cross sectional area (CSA) and three nasal segment volumes. Results: The respiratory event index corresponded to 8.1 ± 4.0 in group 1 and 47.5 ± 19.1 in group 2. In group 1, the cross-sectional areas values, in cm2, corresponded to: CSA 1 = 1.1 ± 0.4; CSA 2 = 2.1 ± 0.9; CSA 3 = 3.5 ± 1.8 and, in group 2: CSA 1 = 1.2 ± 0.3, CSA 2 = 2.0 ± 0.5; CSA 3 = 2.8 ± 0.7. In group 1, volumes (V), in cm3, corresponded to: V1 = 3.5 ± 1.0; V2 = 9.3 ± 5.0; V3 = 40.2 ± 21.5 and in group 2 a: V1 = 3.6 ± 0.5; V2 = 7.6 ± 1.5; V3 = 31.5 ± 6.7. Cross-sectional area and volume ​​did not differ between groups. Conclusion: There were no significant differences in the cross-sectional areas and nasal volumes between individuals with primary snoring-mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Differently to the raised hypothesis, our results suggest that there is no association between internal nasal dimensions and severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Background: Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy curtails most of the negative impacts of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), its efficacy is limited by its low long-term adherence. Nasal obstruction contributes to OSA pathophysiology and necessitates high CPAP titration pressures which reduce CPAP compliance. Aim: This study aims at elucidating the outcomes of surgical correction of nasal obstruction in patients intolerant to CPAP therapy. Methods: Forty-nine patients with severe OSA intolerant to CPAP secondary to surgically correctable nasal obstruction were operated upon. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at least 3 months after the surgical intervention. Subjective assessment entailed the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation score (NOSE) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Objectively the patients were assessed by acoustic rhinometry and standard polysomnography. Results: Nasal surgical intervention resulted in an a statistically significant decrease in the mean NOSE score, ESS and optimal CPAP titration pressure. In addition, the minimal cross-sectional area (MCA1&2) increased significantly postoperatively. There was a positive correlation between the improvement in NOSE score as well as the MCA1& 2 and the postoperative decrease in CPAP titration pressure. Surgical correction of nasal obstruction improved CPAP outcomes and compliance in all patients. Conclusions: Nasal surgery in OSA objectively assessed by acoustic rhinometry improved nasal obstruction with a resultant decrease in the CPAP pressure requirements. Given that lower CPAP pressures improve adherence to CPAP therapy, surgical alleviation of nasal obstruction should be considered a crucial intervention in the management armamentarium of OSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Allergic rhinitis (AR), which is a major cause of upper airway obstruction, may affect the development of the dental malocclusion. This retrospective study was aimed to investigate association between AR and dental malocclusion in otolaryngologic perspectives. Methods: Patients (n = 217) referred to the otolaryngology department before initiating orthodontic treatment were recruited. The frequency and severity of AR symptoms, sinonasal outcome test (SNOT-22) scores, physical examination findings, acoustic rhinometry results, and treatment modalities were retrospectively assessed. Patients with positive skin prick test findings (SPT) (n = 173; orthodontic group) were compared with age- and sex-matched patients being treated for AR (AR group). Results: We found that 76.5% of the enrolled patients had subjective nasal symptoms, and 93.1% patients showed abnormal physical examination findings such as inferior turbinate hypertrophy (82.0%), adenotonsillar hypertrophy (31.8%), or deviated nasal septum (7.4%). The 173 (79.7%) patients with positive SPT results exhibited a significantly higher incidence of rhinorrhoea, sneezing, and inferior turbinate hypertrophy compared to those with negative SPT results. The proportion of patients who underwent pharmacological or surgical treatments was significantly higher among patients with nasal obstruction (92.0%) than among patients without nasal obstruction (36.9%). The frequency and mean visual analogue symptom scores for nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea, and sneezing, as well as all SNOT-22 domain scores, were significantly higher in the AR group than in the orthodontic group. The minimal cross-sectional area measured with acoustic rhinometry showed no significant difference between groups. Conclusion: Patients with dental malocclusion had a high SPT (+) rate and a high prevalence of structural abnormalities of the upper airway. The early detection and treatment of subclinical AR, other rhinological problems, and structural abnormalities of the upper airway in patients with malocclusion may help us manage malocclusion from an otolaryngologic perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to correlate nasal patency with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in obese versus non-obese patients using Acoustic Rhinometry (AR). Eccovision® Acoustic Rhinometer equipment was used to compare nasal cross-sectional areas (CSA1,2 & 3 corresponding to nasal valve region, anterior portion of middle & inferior turbinate and posterior portion of middle & inferior turbinate respectively) and volume in age and gender matched sample divided into three groups: Group 1: Non-obese patients without OSA (25 patients, 13 males and 12 females); Group 2: Non-obese patients with OSA (25 patients, 14 males and 11 females); Group 3: Obese patients with OSA (25 patients, 13 males and 12 females). The mean nasal cross-sectional areas and volume were lower in Group 2 compared to Group 1 but statistically non-significant (P value > 0.05 for all). The mean nasal cross-sectional areas and volume were significantly lower in Group 3 as compared to Groups 1 and 2 (P value < 0.05 for all). BMI showed a statistically significant positive (direct) correlation with AHI in Groups 2 and 3 (P value < 0.05 for both). The nasal cross-sectional areas and volume showed a statistically significant negative (inverse) correlation with AHI in Groups 2 and 3 (P value < 0.05 for both). OSA diagnosed cases with high BMI may not present with an obvious nasal obstruction; the nasal patency may still be compromised due to reduced nasal lumen secondary to obesity. AR, being cost-effective and non-invasive modality; is advocated to evaluate pre-treatment nasal patency, as well as follow up evaluation to ascertain improvement after the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aging process of the voice differs among individuals, and the factors that affect age-related changes in voice are not well-defined. In this study, we investigated the difference between older people with nasal septum deviation (NSD) and older people without NSD in terms of degree of aging voice using objective and subjective voice assessment tools. The study included 94 patients (47 women, 47 men) aged >65 years. Nasal septum deviation was determined in 45 patients (NSD group), and 49 patients had no nasal pathology (control group). Maximum phonation time (MPT), GRBAS scale, and acoustic voice analysis parameters were compared between the NSD and control groups; sub-group analysis disaggregated by sex was also performed. No significant difference was observed between the NSD and control groups with respect to MPT, GRBAS scale, and acoustic voice analysis parameters in the total study population and among male subjects. The only parameter that showed a significant difference between sub-groups of female subjects was soft phonation index (SPI) (p=.03). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to analyze the effect of NSD on the voice aging. With the findings of the present study, NSD does not seem to have an effect on voice aging, and also it can be suggested that septoplasty will not have an effect on preventing presbyphonia. Further studies on larger groups of patients are required to provide more definitive evidence on this subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Septoplasty is one of the most frequently performed operations in patients with septal deviation of the nose. The aim of this surgical intervention is to reduce nasal obstruction and to achieve a physiological nasal breathing. The nasal cycle plays a crucial role in this. The aim of this study was to investigate nasal breathing and the nasal cycle after septoplasty over a long period of time and under everyday conditions. Methods: We examined 22 healthy subjects and 19 patients with nasal septal deviation. They participated in two sessions separated by an interval of three months. Shortly after the first session patients received nasal septoplasty. Testing included multiple questionnaires regarding nasal breathing and olfactory function, anterior rhinoscopy, rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, and long-term rhinoflowmetry over 24 h. Results: Nasal septoplasty was associated with subjectively improved nasal breathing and nasal patency comparable to that in healthy subjects. The severity of nasal obstruction was reduced. Nasal airflow and the hydraulic diameter increased on the deviated side of the nose while the inspiratory resistance did not significantly change. In addition, the number of phases of the nasal cycle decreased on the nondeviated side. Hence, the surgery was associated with a more even distribution of phases on both sides of the nose. Conclusion: Nasal septoplasty leads to a subjectively satisfactory result in patients with pathological septal deviation of the nose. In particular, septoplasty appears to be accompanied by a more even distribution of the nasal cycle across the two nasal cavities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mouth breathing (MB) is a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children, but its diagnosis remains challenging. The main objectives of our study were to evaluate whether parents' and physician's diagnose of MB were concordant and to evaluate the prevalence of nasal obstruction in children with OSA and MB.Methods: Ninety-three children (median age: 10.6 years, range 3-18) with moderate to severe OSA prospectively underwent otorhinolaryngologist (endoscopy, acoustic rhinometry and pharyngometry allowing calculation of pharyngeal compliance) and orthodontist (clinical exam and cephalometry) assessments together with parental interview (daytime MB: never, sometimes, often, always). MB was also assessed by the otorhinolaryngologist (nasal obstruction on endoscopy) and the orthodontist (incompetent lips or anterior open bite or low tongue position).Results: Thirty-eight children (41%) were mouth (parental criterion: MB often or always, median age 8.2 years) and 55 nasal (11.4 years, p = 0.016) breathers. The agreement of parental and physician diagnosis of MB was slight (orthodontist) to moderate (otorhinolaryngologist). Parental diagnosis of MB was associated with nasal obstruction on acoustic rhinometry and endoscopy (hypertrophy of inferior turbinate, n = 18 or adenoids, n = 15) and with an adenoid facies (increased Frankfort's mandibular plane angle on cephalometry). Eleven children had MB by habit and were characterized by more severe OSA and higher pharyngeal compliance than mouth breathers with nasal obstruction.Conclusion: MB diagnosis by parents is acceptable and is mainly related to nasal obstruction. A subset of children had MB by habit associated with worst OSA and increased pharyngeal compliance that could benefit from myofunctional therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Objective. Aesthetically, the nose adds special signature to a person’s look. This results in many nasal pyramid surgeries, either functional or aesthetic. The problem arises in aesthetic surgeries. Patients often tend to present their dissatisfaction with the appearance of the nose as a breathing difficulty, as they often lack the support of the environment in the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery. The objective of the paper was to examine, using subjective assessment and objective measurements, the change in the nasal respiratory function in patients who undergo aesthetic nose surgeries, despite having a straight nasal septum before the surgery. Methods. The study was conducted as a prospective, cross-sectional one, and involved 32 patients of both genders. Before and at six months after surgery all patients underwent subjective nasal breathing assessment using visual analog scale (grade 0–10) as well as objective nasal respiratory function assessment using rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry after anemization. Results. There were seven male and 25 female patients, age ranging 18–27 years. Objective measurements after surgery showed that the nasal cavity volume, minimum cross-sectional area, as well as the airflow through the nose reduced, while resistance to the nasal airflow increased, but with no statistical significance. The subjective assessment of nasal breathing statistically significantly improved after the surgery. Conclusion. The subjective assessment of nasal breathing postoperatively is not a relevant indicator of the objective state of the nasal respiratory function in patients after aesthetic rhinoplasty.

Acoustic rhinometry is an objective nasal patency assessment technique. Its cognitive value means that it plays a major role in the nasal allergen provocation test. The optimisation of the measured values and the interpretation of the results of the test-based values are critical. When the assessment is based on the minimal cross-sectional areas, the volumes for the different segments of the rhinometric curve indicate changes in nasal patency in the nasal allergen provocation test. It seems that the points on the rhinometric curve which correspond to the different waves for the nasal cavity accurately reflect the level of response of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity to an allergen.

Acoustic rhinometry is an objective nasal patency assessment technique. Its cognitive value means that it plays a major role in the nasal allergen provocation test. The optimisation of the measured values and the interpretation of the results of the test-based values are critical. When the assessment is based on the minimal cross-sectional areas, the volumes for the different segments of the rhinometric curve indicate changes in nasal patency in the nasal allergen provocation test. It seems that the points on the rhinometric curve which correspond to the different waves for the nasal cavity accurately reflect the level of response of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity to an allergen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the long-term effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microdebriderassisted inferior turbinoplasty (MAIT), and diode laser techniques on the severity of nasal obstruction and quality of life (QOL) in a 3-year follow-up. Methods: The patients filled a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) regarding the severity of nasal obstruction and the Glasgow Health Status Inventory (GHSI) questionnaire preoperatively and during the control visits at 3 months and 3 years. Acoustic rhinometry was also performed. A total of 78 patients attended both control visits. Results: All 3 techniques improved the VAS score for the severity of nasal obstruction and the GHSI total score significantly compared to the preoperative values at both 3 months and 3 years. Compared to the preoperative values, all 3 techniques increased the V2 to 5 cm values significantly at 3 months. After 3 years, compared to the preoperative values, the MAIT (P = .005) and diode laser (P < .001) still had a statistically significant volume increase in V2 to 5 cm, whereas the RFA (P = .06) did not achieve a statistically significant effect. Conclusion: The RFA, MAIT, and diode laser all improved both the patients' subjective sensation of the severity of nasal obstruction and QOL significantly. The response was sustained during the 3-year follow-up period with all 3 techniques. A weakening in the objective treatment response to RFA was found in the longer follow-up, but that did not cause a weakening of the patients' subjective treatment response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry (AR) and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) are popular methods for nasal patency evaluation. The aim of the present study was to compare these three methods with the reported nasal symptoms to determine the best diagnostic tool to assess nasal obstruction. Methods: 101 subjects were evaluated using PNIF, 4-phase rhinomanometry (4PR), AR, Visual Analogue Scale for nasal obstruction (VAS-NO) and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). Correlations among PNIF, 4PR, AR, VAS-NO and SNOT-22 were obtained. Results: VAS-NO and SNOT-22 were moderately correlated with each other (r = 0.54, p < 0.001). 4PR was moderately correlated with PNIF (r = –0.31, p = 0.0016) and AR (r = –0.5, p < 0.001). VAS-NO was mildly correlated with PNIF (r = –0.29, p = 0.0034). SNOT-22 was moderately correlated with PNIF (r = –0.31, p = 0.0017). After dividing the population into symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects, based on their VAS-NO score, the former showed significantly lower PNIF values (p = 0.009) and higher 4PR values (p = 0.013) compared to the latter ones. Conclusion: PNIF and 4PR showed a significant moderate correlation with each other, but PNIF showed a significant correlation (weak-moderate) with the reported nasal symptom scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between cephalometric transversal measurements and nasal patency before and after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) treatment applied to patients with maxillary transversal deficiency. Methodology: The records of 30 patients with maxillary transversal insufficiency and 20 patients without normal dentofacial and nasal symptoms were used. Acoustic rhinometry (MCA1, MCA2, VOL1, VOL2) and cephalometry measurements (JR–JL, MMTI, nasal width) were analyzed before (TO) and six months after (T1) RME. Results: There were no significant differences in age and gender between the groups. After the RME treatment of the patients in the study group, there was a significant increase in the cephalometric measurement (JL–JR, MMTI, nasal width) and acoustic rhinometry measurement parameters (MCA1, MCA2, VOL1, VOL2). Cephalometric measurements showed consistent changes in the patients in the study group, suggesting that RME treatment increased the maxilla’s growth capacity. The postero-anterior cephalometry results improved after RME treatment and approached those of the control group. Conclusion: Significant improvement was observed in the cephalometric transversal measurements after RME treatment. This improvement indicated that RME increases maxillary growth capacity. There was no correlation between cephalometric and acoustic rhinometry. This result may be due to the inability of postero-anterior cephalometry to effectively evaluate the maxilla-related part of the nasal structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) provides an orthopedic effect that solves the problem of transverse deficiency of the maxilla. Moreover, it contributes positively to the functioning of the entire nasopharynx by increasing the cross-sectional area and volume of the nasal tract, thus reducing airway resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in olfactory threshold after RME treatment of patients with maxillary transverse deficiency. Methodology: Olfactory threshold and identification tests as well as acoustic rhinometry parameter (Volume1, MCA1, Volume2, MCA2) measurements were conducted for 40 patients (11–16 years) before treatment (T0) and 6 months after (T1) rapid maxillary expansion application. Results: A significant improvement was observed when the olfactory threshold values at T0 (0.96 ± 0.07) and T1 (0.79 ± 0.13) (p < 0.001) were compared. A significant improvement was also observed upon comparing the identification test results at T0 (0.63 ± 0.13) and T1 (0.79 ± 0.11) (p < 0.001). The acoustic rhinometry results showed a significant increase in Volume 1, MCA1, Volume 2 and MCA2 in the right and left nasal cavities after treatment (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In this study, acoustic rhinometry showed that nasal cavity area and volume increased in patients who underwent rapid maxillary expansion therapy. Further, the olfactory functions measured by the olfactory threshold test and identification test improved significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Since nasal valve surgery for internal nasal valve (INV) compromise has gained popularity, controversies over its indications and insurance coverage disputes have emerged due to the absence of a gold-standard evaluation. Therefore, we aimed to identify the objective parameters for the INV compromise., Methods: We analyzed 186 INVs in 93 patients who underwent nasal valve surgery. The data included facial computed tomography images, acoustic rhinometry, modified Cottle test, and symptom scores. The patients were categorized based on their symptoms and modified Cottle's test results. We measured the INV angle, area, volume, lateral wall thickness, septal angle, and nasal bone area using computed tomography (CT)., Results: The compromised INV group (nasal obstruction with a positive modified Cottle test) was characterized by smaller INV areas on both the coronal and axial views, smaller INV volume on the axial view, and thinner lateral wall on the coronal view (all P < 0.05). Acoustic rhinometry revealed a smaller minimal cross-sectional area and volume in the compromised INV group (both P < .001). Regression analysis revealed significant associations between a compromised INV and the INV area on the axial view and the minimal cross-sectional area on acoustic rhinometry., Conclusion: Relying solely on the INV angle in CT scans has limitations in assessing compromised INV. Instead, the INV area on axial CT scans and the minimal crosssectional area on acoustic rhinometry hold potential as objective parameters for evaluating INV compromise.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of the piezo-assisted turbinoplasty with a partial turbinectomy technique in the treatment of chronic nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate enlargement. Study design: This is a prospective randomized single-center study in a cohort of 100 consecutive patients which underwent external septorhinoplasty and concomitant hybrid type of turbinoplasty. Methodology: Patients were randomly assigned into two groups. The first group included 50 patients who underwent piezo-assisted outfracturing of the inferior turbinates in combination with bipolar coagulation. The second group included 50 patients who underwent a treatment based on turbinate bipolar coagulation and partial resection of the inferior border of the turbinate. The severity of nasal obstruction was measured in both patient groups with a patient-related outcome questionnaire (NOSE) and objective measures (anterior rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry). Assessments were conducted prior to surgery and 3 months after the surgery. Results: There was a significant improvement in the values of the NOSE questionnaire with no relevant difference between the two study groups. Acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry also showed no statistically significant differences between the two study groups. No differences in postoperative healing were found, and postoperative complications were comparable low in both groups. However, the piezo-assisted procedure was quicker to perform with only minimal bleeding. Conclusion: During septorhinoplasty, the combination of thermo-coagulation with piezo-assisted turbinoplasty was as efficient as with partial turbinectomy to establish normal nasal breathing. Level of Evidence III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Acoustic rhinometry is widely used in evaluating patients with nasal congestion, but it only has a partial correlation with patient symptoms. The use and focus of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans are mainly on the paranasal sinuses and less on the nasal cavities. Therefore, information acquired from CBCT scans is not used to its full extent. In our present study, we have studied patients with enlarged inferior turbinates. Our aim was to investigate and compare the use of 3D volumetric measurements and cross-sectional area measurements taken from CBCT scans to results obtained from acoustic rhinometry. Material and methods: In total, 25 patients with enlarged inferior turbinates were studied. CBCT scans were obtained preoperatively and at twelve months postoperatively. 3D volumetric and cross-sectional area measurements were compared to results from acoustic rhinometry, the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Glasgow Health Status Inventory (GHSI) questionnaires. Results: A statistically significant change in 3D volume and cross-sectional area was measured in the anterior part of the inferior turbinate and surrounding air space after inferior turbinate surgery. VAS and GHSI results had mild correlations with the 3D volume and cross-sectional area measurements of the anterior part of the inferior turbinate. Acoustic rhinometry correlated with the air space 3D volume measurements in the anterior part. Conclusions: Fully utilized CBCT scans provide more comprehensive and accurate information. Furthermore, 3D analysis of the inferior turbinates provides valuable information and more precise measurements compared to acoustic rhinometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association of nasal nitric oxide and olfactory function. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed in 117 adults, including 91 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and 26 healthy controls. Scores on the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test, Lund-Mackay scale and Lund-Kennedy scale were recorded to assess severity of disease. All participants were screened for common inhaled and food allergens. Nasal nitric oxide and fractional exhaled nitric oxide testing, acoustic rhinometry and anterior rhinomanometry testing were performed to measure nasal function. The validated Sniffin' Sticks test battery was used to assess olfactory function. Results: Higher nasal nitric oxide was an independent protective factor for odour discrimination and odour threshold in participants with chronic rhinosinusitis after adjusting for age, gender, drinking, smoking, 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test, Lund-Mackay score, Lund-Kennedy score, immunoglobulin E and the second minimal cross-sectional area by acoustic rhinometry. Nasal nitric oxide also showed high discrimination in predicting impaired odour discrimination. In addition, nasal nitric oxide was lower in older participants, those with higher Lund-Mackay or Lund-Kennedy scores and higher with elevated total serum immunoglobulin E concentrations above a threshold of 0.35 kU/l. Conclusion: Higher nasal nitric oxide is associated with better odour discrimination in chronic rhinosinusitis and is modulated by age, degree of allergy and severity of chronic rhinosinusitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute alcohol intake may influence nasal patency; however, there is lack of objective evidence. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute alcohol intake on nasal patency employing both subjective and objective measures. Methods: A total of 31 participants were classified into 2 groups of non-heavy drinkers (n = 17) and heavy drinkers (n = 14). Both groups consumed wine in 1 h and were assessed for subjective nasal symptoms and objective nasal patency, using rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry, at baseline and at 0.5, 2, and 6 h post-alcohol consumption. Results: Alcohol consumption significantly increased nasal obstruction from baseline values in both heavy and non-heavy drinking groups. Total nasal volume (TNV) and the minimal cross-sectional area (MCA) were significantly decreased and nasal airway resistance (NAR) significantly increased from baseline values by 2 h post-alcohol consumption for both heavy and non-heavy drinking groups (P <.05). Significant differences were found in TNV, MCA, and NAR between baseline and post-drinking in allergic rhinitis subjects; with no significant differences in MCA and NAR in subjects without allergic rhinitis. Pulse rate (PR) and temperature (T) were elevated, and blood pressure (BP) was decreased after alcohol consumption (P <.05). Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was not significantly correlated with nasal patency with regard to any subjective or objective measurement. Conclusion: Acute alcohol consumption may impair nasal patency, independent of the amount consumed. Individuals with allergic rhinitis may be more prone to nasal obstruction after alcohol consumption than those without allergic rhinitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Idiopathic rhinitis is a nonallergic and noninfectious rhinitis characterized mainly by nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea, resulting from an autonomic imbalance. Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) demonstrated its action in reducing rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction when injected into the nasal turbinates or septum. Objective To analyze the effects of intranasal BTX-A injection to control the symptoms of idiopathic rhinitis and its possible adverse effects. Method Patients with idiopathic rhinitis were divided into two groups. Group A had 15 participants (8 female and 6 male), of ages from 47 to 84 years (mean 66.57 years), and these received 60 U of Dysport (Ipsen Ltd, Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK) in each inferior nasal turbinate; group B had 12 participants (1 male and 11 female), of ages from 50 to 76 years (mean 60 years), and they received 1ml of 0.9% saline. The individuals were reevaluated in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks after injection by a questionnaire, accompanied by nasal inspiratory peak flow and acoustic rhinometry. Results Group A showed significant improvement, mainly regarding the symptoms of sneezing/itching and nasal obstruction, over time and when compared to group B. Acoustic rhinometry confirmed the improvement in nasal obstruction. There was no relationship between the nasal peak flow data and the nasal obstruction score. No major adverse effects have been reported. Conclusion The injection of botulinum toxin in the inferior nasal turbinates of patients with idiopathic rhinitis reduces the symptoms of sneezing, itching, nasal obstruction, and runny nose without significant adverse effects, suggesting that it is an option in the treatment of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this retrospective study was to correlate the narrowest area and volume of nasal cavity assessed by acoustic rhinometry (AR) with the oropharynx area and volume assessed by cone -beam computed tomography (CBCT). This retrospective study was carried out on CBCT images and AR datas of 45 mouth-breathing individuals (27 male and 18 female) aged between 12-14 years. The examinations assessed: (a) acoustic rhinometry: nasal volume (Vol) and minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) 1 and 2 of nasal cavity; (b) cone-beam computed tomography: oropharyngeal volume and area. The results were evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis. p<0.05 was accepted statistically significant. There was no statistically significant relation among airway volume and nasal cavity parameters (MCA1, MCA2 and nasal volume) (p>0.05). There was a low negative correlation among airway area and nasal volume (r=-0.394; p=0.013). The highest correlation was found only between the airway area and the nasal volume when the AR results were compared with the data obtained from the CBCT imaging technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Idiopathic rhinitis is a nonallergic and noninfectious rhinitis characterized mainly by nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea, resulting from an autonomic imbalance. Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) demonstrated its action in reducing rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction when injected into the nasal turbinates or septum. Objective To analyze the effects of intranasal BTX-A injection to control the symptoms of idiopathic rhinitis and its possible adverse effects. Method Patients with idiopathic rhinitis were divided into two groups. Group A had 15 participants (8 female and 6 male), of ages from 47 to 84 years (mean 66.57 years), and these received 60 U of Dysport (Ipsen Ltd, Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK) in each inferior nasal turbinate; group B had 12 participants (1 male and 11 female), of ages from 50 to 76 years (mean 60 years), and they received 1 ml of 0.9% saline. The individuals were reevaluated in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks after injection by a questionnaire, accompanied by nasal inspiratory peak flow and acoustic rhinometry. Results Group A showed significant improvement, mainly regarding the symptoms of sneezing/itching and nasal obstruction, over time and when compared to group B. Acoustic rhinometry confirmed the improvement in nasal obstruction. There was no relationship between the nasal peak flow data and the nasal obstruction score. No major adverse effects have been reported. Conclusion The injection of botulinum toxin in the inferior nasal turbinates of patients with idiopathic rhinitis reduces the symptoms of sneezing, itching, nasal obstruction, and runny nose without significant adverse effects, suggesting that it is an option in the treatment of these patients.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the influences of age and gender on nasal airway patency, as measured by both active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR) and acoustic rhinometry (AR). The nasal airway patency of healthy subjects was evaluated using AAR and AR. In AAR, the subjects generated airflow actively through inspiration and expiration in repetitions of 10, while nasal patency was measured at an inspiratory and expiratory reference pressure of 75 Pa. In AR, we assessed the geometry of the nasal cavity through the analysis of sound waves reflected from the nasal cavities in order to measure both cross-sectional areas and nasal volumes. The subjects were divided by gender, with all males and females then grouped by ages of 20–39 years, 40–59 years and ≥60 years. There were 40 subjects in each group. The mean resistance measured by AAR and the cross-sectional areas and nasal volumes measured by AR were not different between the different age groups; however, the cross-sectional areas and nasal volumes were found to be lesser in females than in males. Our results showed that nasal airway patency was not affected by age, while females were shown to have wider nasal passages than males.

Introdcution: 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigated whether inferior turbinate reduction combined with septoplasty improves patients' outcomes, as assessed by objective and subjective methods. Methods: A single-centre, parallel-group, randomised, open-label trial was conducted at a tertiary hospital ENT clinic. Patients who underwent septoplasty were divided into two groups: group A underwent septoplasty with radiofrequency ablation; group B underwent only septoplasty. All patients were assessed before and three months after surgery using acoustic rhinometry and peak nasal inspiratory flow measurements, as well as Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 scores. Results: Seventy-four patients completed the study (36 in group A and 38 in group B). The patients in both groups showed significant improvements in acoustic rhinometry and peak nasal inspiratory flow measurements and in Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 scores after the surgery (p < 0.05). However, the differences between the groups were not significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Inferior turbinate ablation combined with septoplasty does not provide any more benefit to the objective and subjective outcomes of patients than septoplasty alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare nasal and upper airway dimensions in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) who underwent nasoalveolar molding (NAM) with those without NAM during infancy using acoustic pharyngometry and rhinometry. Materials and Methods: Eccovision acoustic pharyngometry and rhinometry (Sleep Group Solutions) was used for assessment of mean area and volume of nasal and upper airway in patients with complete unilateral CLP (age range 16-21 years) treated with NAM (group 1, n = 19) versus without NAM (group 2, n = 22). Results: The mean nasal cross-sectional areas and volume were higher in group 1 compared to group 2 on both cleft (P value <.001) and noncleft side (P value >.05). The mean area and volume of upper airway were also significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (P value <.05). Conclusions: Nasoalveolar molding being one of the first interventions in chronology of treatment of patients with CLP, its long-term outcome on nasal and upper airway patency needs to be ascertained. The results of the present study show that the patients with CLP who have undergone NAM during infancy have better improvement in nasal and upper airway patency compared with those who had not undergone NAM procedure. The basic advantages of being noninvasive, nonionizing and providing dynamic assessment of nasal and upper airway patency make acoustic pharyngometry and rhinometry a diagnostic tool of choice to be used in patients with CLP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is mainly based on the typical medical history, clinical manifestations, and corresponding allergen test results of the patients. However, there are often clinical inconsistencies among the 3., Objective: To study the clinical characteristics of patients with allergic rhinitis from both subjective and objective aspects to determine the correlations between the quantitative assessment outcomes of subjective and objective indicators., Methods: A total of 111 patients with allergic rhinitis who visited our outpatient clinic from June 2022 to December 2022 were selected. The 22-item sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22) and the visual analog scale (VAS) for the severity of the disease were used to score the subjective indicators of allergic rhinitis. The objective indicators of allergic rhinitis were evaluated by serum inhalant allergens immunoglobulin E test, nasal endoscopy modified Lund-Kennedy (MLK) scoring method, and acoustic rhinometry., Results: SNOT-22 score, total VAS score for symptoms, and the VAS score for nasal itching were positively correlated with the number of positive allergens ( r = 0.266, P = 0.005, r = 0.576, P < 0.001, and r = 0.271, P = 0.004, respectively). No differences were found in all subjective indicators scores between the total immunoglobulin E positive and negative groups ( P > 0.05). SNOT-22 score, total VAS score for symptoms, and the VAS score for nasal congestion were positively correlated with MLK total score of nasal endoscopy ( r = 0.343, P < 0.001, r = 0.438, P < 0.001, and r = 0.225, P = 0.018, respectively). Parameters of acoustic rhinometry were not correlated with the subjective indicators scores of allergic rhinitis ( P > 0.05)., Conclusion: A multifaceted quantitative assessment of allergic rhinitis using a combination of subjective and objective methods can help physicians make an accurate diagnosis and create reasonable treatment plans., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024. Asia Pacific Association of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology.)