[Rhinometry of 176 normal adults with acoustic rhinometer]

RH-2000 acoustic rhinometer was used to measure nasal parameters in 176 normal adults. The results showed that nasal minimal cross-sectional area (NMCA) was 0.55 +/- 0.13 cm2 (x +/- s), and nasal cavity volume (NCV) 6 cm beyond the nostrils was 7.16 +/- 1.82 cm3. NMCA was located in the anterior edge of the inferior turbinate and the distance from the nostrils was 2.22 +/- 0.35 cm in 82.7% of the subjects; and the distance from the nostrils to the ostium internum was 0.79 +/- 0.25 cm in 17.3% of them. Our findings indicated that the narrowest segment of the nasal cavity was located in the anterior part, from the ostium internum to the anterior edge of the inferior turbinate. NMCA and NCV were larger in male than in female (P < 0.05). There was significant difference in NMCA and NCV between two sides(P < 0.001). The width of the nasal cavity between two sides might also be different. The measured NMCA and NCV was larger in subjects above 60 years old(P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Acoustic rhinometry is a new objective method to assess the geometry of nasal cavity. NMCA is a valuable objective mark to evaluate nasal patency.