Relationship Between Nasal Function and Lung Function in Adults with Cleft lip and Palate and Dentofacial Deformity

ObjectiveTo verify the relationship between nasal function, nasal patency, respiratory mode, and type and lung function through lung capacity in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP).ProjectQuantitative and cross-sectional clinical research.ContextTertiary-level craniofacial hospital.ParticipantsThirty patients between 18 and 30 years old with repaired CLP and presence of dentofacial deformity were evaluated.InterventionsThe respiratory mode and type were determined through perceptive assessment and obtaining respiratory symptoms, through a self-reported questionnaire. Spirometry and rhinomanometry were applied.Main outcome measuresForced vital capacity and peak forced expiratory flow.ResultsIt was identified that the respiratory mode directly influences peak expiratory flow (PEF) values, as well as the presence of respiratory disease. Forced vital capacity (FVC) showed a statistically significant relationship (p = .036), decreasing its values with the presence of self-reported nasal obstruction. By rhinomanometry, an average of 0.537 (±140 cm²) was obtained for nasal cross-sectional area values, with only 7.69% of cases with values below 0.400 cm², suggesting nasal obstruction.ConclusionThere is a relationship between nasal and pulmonary function in patients with CLP, with regard to the respiratory mode, presence of respiratory disease and self-reported nasal obstruction, influencing lung capacity values such as FVC and PEF.