Assessment of nasal obstruction. A comparison between rhinomanometry and nasal inspiratory peak flow

Rhinology. 1990 Sep;28(3):191-6.

Abstract

In several conditions objective assessment of nasal obstruction would be of great value. In this study we have compared two different methods for this purpose. Anterior rhinomanometry is a well established method, which measures nasal airway resistance (NAR). This was compared with nasal inspiratory peak flow (NIPF) measured with a Youlten peak flow meter. The assessments were undertaken in patients with allergic rhinitis, before and after challenge with hyperosmolar saline solution. After challenge there was a fall in NIPF value as a mean of 17.4%, that was mirrored by a rise in NAR of 15.6%. There was also a statistically significant negative linear correlation between these two methods (p less than 0.01). We conclude that NIPF is a cheap, easily performed and quick method suitable for assessing nasal airway patency in e.g. allergics during treatment and during challenge.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Airway Resistance
  • Humans
  • Manometry
  • Nasal Obstruction / physiopathology*
  • Nasal Provocation Tests
  • Pulmonary Ventilation
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / physiopathology