Current advances in rhinomanometry

Abstract

At the present, the most reasonable method of determining nasal patency is nasal resistance at point of ΔP100Pa or point of peak flow calculated from an equation R = 0.78 (ΔP/V)1.33 or time-averaged nasal resistance measured by active posterior rhinomanometry with a full face capsule or a headout plethysmograph. While employing active anterior rhinomanometry, bilateral nasal resistance at point of peak flow should be estimated from the modified equation of Ohm's law for parallel resistors : T = 0.96[R × L/(R + L)]0.92. In Japan, nasal resistance calculated from an equation R = ΔP/V at the point of ΔP100Pa using nozzle active anterior rhinomanometry may be appropriate for clinical use. Ten minutes while at rest in the sitting position is long enough for measuring nasal resistance. Peak flow index and nasal airflow acceleration are useful indicators of nasal breathing for objective evaluation of nasal patency.