Evaluating the sensation of nasal obstruction with acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry

The relationships among subjective sensation of nasal obstruction, data of rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry between individuals or for each individual were explored. Thirty-nine subjects with nasal obstruction problems were examined using the visual analogue scale, nasal airflow resistance (NAR), nasal minimal cross-sectional area (MCA), and nasal cavity volume (NCV). No significant correlation was found between the sensation of unilateral or bilateral nasal obstruction to NAR, MCA, or NCV. Strong correlations between MCA and NAR, and NCV and NAR were noted in this study. Another 10 healthy volunteers were investigated and correlation was studied on each individual level. Strong correlations within subject were found more commonly in persons with short-term follow-up than with the long-term follow-up group. In the present study, rhinomanometry results were compatible with acoustic rhinometry results. However describing the sensation of nasal patency with only rhinomanometric or acoustic rhinometric measurements seems still inadequate.