Simplified oscillation method for assessing nasal obstruction non-invasively and under spontaneous ventilation: a pilot study

The clinical application of the current methods of measuring nasal obstruction has been limited by complicated, invasive and stressful procedures that require the full co-operation of the patient. A pilot study is described where a simple way of evaluating nasal obstruction, based on oscillation methods, was investigated. The technique did not disturb spontaneous breathing and required little co-operation and comprehension. Significant differences were obtained when clinically classified normal (5.2 +/- 1.8 cmH2O l(-1) s) and patient (10.6 +/- 5.9 cmH2O l(-1) s) groups were evaluated (p<0.01). A significant reduction (p<0.02) was also observed in impedance results before (8.5 +/- 1.1 cmH2O l(-1) s) and after (5.2 +/- 1.7 cmH2O l(-1) s) clinically successful nasal surgery, closely reflecting the clinical conditions of the subjects. This simple forced oscillation technique showed good potential for future clinical applications in the pre-screening of nasal patients and the evaluation of therapeutic surgery.