Background: Studies concerning nasal cycle physiology in children are still rare, and controversies exist about its existence. This study was ascertained to evaluate the dynamic behavior of inferior turbinates in children by acoustic rhinometry.
Methods: Sixteen volunteer patients, aged 2-11 years old (mean, 6.25 years), were evaluated between April and July 2003. The patients submitted to periodic acoustic rhinometry, with triplicate measurements (each 30 minutes) for 3 hours.
Results: All evaluated children presented nasal cycles, with five children presenting a classic pattern (31.25%), three children presenting a concert pattern (18.75%), and eight children presenting an irregular pattern (50%).
Conclusion: This study suggests that children present nasal cycles, as well as adults. Nevertheless, the most prevalent pattern in children was the irregular pattern, whereas in adults the most frequently detected is the classic pattern.