Unilateral peak nasal inspiratory flow, normal values in adult population

Measurement of Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF) is a cheap, simple, easily performed method to assess nasal patency and it is suitable for serial measurements and for home use. The purpose of this study was to establish normative unilateral PNIF data for a healthy adult population and provide charts relating unilateral PNIF normal values with various explanatory variables.

Repeated measurements of PNIF and unilateral PNIF were performed in 109 volunteers. Ninety seven of these fulfilled the study criteria and all of them were non-smokers, non-asthmatic, without nose and paranasal sinus problems, with ages ranging from 13 to 80 years. Data were statistically analysed and tables were produced relating unilateral PNIF to height which was the only studied variable that correlated statistically with unilateral PNIF.

The measurement of unilateral PNIF, providing the present data are confirmed in a larger series, could be a useful method to study single nostril patency to aid diagnosis of nasal disease, especially when it is necessary to assess the functional effects of unilateral nasal septal deviations or in all cases where there is a suspicion of a unilateral nasal occlusion. This pilot study provides initial normative unilateral PNIF data.