Nasal function before and after rapid maxillary expansion in children: A randomized, prospective, controlled study.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric dentistry
• Otolaryngology
• Respiratory physiology

Background:

• Children possess innate abilities to detect odors for environmental and nutritional information.
• Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) is known to correct dental and skeletal crossbite and improve nasal patency, potentially aiding oral respiration.
• A prior pilot study indicated RME might enhance N-Butanol olfactory thresholds and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF).

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively assess olfactory thresholds, nasal airflow, and nasal resistance in children aged 6-11 years.
• To compare these parameters before and after Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME).
• To evaluate outcomes against a control group of prepubertal children with similar skeletal deficiencies.

Main Methods:

• N-butanol olfactory thresholds, anterior active rhinomanometry (AAR), and PNIF were measured in 11 children undergoing RME at baseline (T0), immediately post-treatment (T1), and 6 months later (T2).
• A control group of 11 children was observed over the same period without intervention.
• Statistical analysis compared changes within and between groups.

Main Results:

• The RME group showed significant improvements in PNIF at T1 and T2 compared to T0 (p<0.003).
• N-Butanol Olfactory Thresholds significantly improved at T1 and T2 in the RME group (p<0.01).
• No significant changes in AAR were observed in the RME group, nor were any significant changes found in the control group for any measured variable.

Conclusions:

• Rapid Maxillary Expansion appears to significantly enhance respiratory function, particularly PNIF, and olfactory sensitivity in treated children.
• Further research with larger cohorts and advanced rhinomanometry is recommended to explore changes in nasal resistance.
• The findings suggest RME positively impacts nasal airflow and olfactory function in pediatric patients.