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Gas Monitoring in Human Frontal Sinuses-Stability Considerations and Gas Exchange Studies
Han Zhang1,2, Ning Han1,2, Yueyu Lin1,2
1National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Abstract:
Acute rhinosinusitis is a common infectious disease, which, in more than 90% of cases, is caused by viruses rather than by bacteria. Even so, antibiotics are often unnecessarily prescribed, and in the long run this contributes to the alarming level of antibiotics resistance. The reason is that there are no good guiding tools for defining the background reason of the infection. One main factor for the clearance of the infection is if there is non-obstructed ventilation from the sinus to the nasal cavity. Gas in Scattering Media Absorption Spectroscopy (GASMAS) has potential for diagnosing this. We have performed a study of frontal sinuses of volunteers with a focus on signal stability and reproducibility over time, accurate oxygen concentration determination, and assessment of gas transport through passages, naturally and after decongestant spray administration. Different from earlier studies on frontal sinuses, water vapor, serving the purpose of oxygen signal normalization, was measured at 818 nm rather than earlier at 937 nm, now closer to the 760 nm oxygen absorption band and thus resulting in more reliable results. In addition, the action of decongestants was objectively demonstrated for the first time. Evaluated oxygen concentration values for left- and right-hand side sinus cavities were found to agree within 0.3%, and a left-right geometrical asymmetry parameter related to anatomical differences was stable within 10%.
Insights
Gas in Scattering Media Absorption Spectroscopy (GASMAS) shows promise for diagnosing acute rhinosinusitis by assessing sinus ventilation. This technique offers reliable oxygen measurements, aiding in appropriate treatment and combating antibiotic resistance.
Area of Science:
- Medical Diagnostics
- Spectroscopy
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Acute rhinosinusitis is frequently viral, yet antibiotics are overprescribed, fueling antibiotic resistance.
- Lack of diagnostic tools hinders accurate differentiation between viral and bacterial sinusitis.
- Sinus ventilation is crucial for infection clearance, but its assessment is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Gas in Scattering Media Absorption Spectroscopy (GASMAS) for diagnosing frontal sinus ventilation.
- To assess signal stability, reproducibility, and accuracy of oxygen concentration determination using GASMAS.
- To objectively demonstrate the effect of decongestants on sinus gas transport.
Main Methods:
- GASMAS was employed to measure oxygen concentration and water vapor in volunteers' frontal sinuses.
- Measurements were taken under natural conditions and after decongestant administration.
- A novel approach utilized 818 nm for water vapor normalization, closer to the 760 nm oxygen band.
Main Results:
- Oxygen concentration measurements showed high agreement (within 0.3%) between left and right frontal sinuses.
- A geometrical asymmetry parameter remained stable (within 10%), indicating reliable anatomical assessment.
- The study objectively demonstrated the physiological effects of decongestant nasal spray for the first time.
Conclusions:
- GASMAS is a stable, reproducible, and accurate method for assessing frontal sinus ventilation and oxygen levels.
- This technique can provide objective data to guide clinical decisions, potentially reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for acute rhinosinusitis.
- GASMAS offers a novel tool for evaluating the efficacy of treatments like decongestants.
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