The effects of an external nasal dilator and nasal dimensions in Asians.
OBJECTIVE
We examined the potential correlation between the effectiveness of an external nasal dilator for Asians and nasal dimensions.


METHODS
The length, width, and height of the subjects' nose were measured. From these parameters, a nasal index (nasal width/nasal length) and a basal view index (columella height/nasal width) were calculated. Nasal airway resistances with and without an external nasal dilator were measured.


RESULTS
There was a significant correlation between both nasal index and basal view index and the changes in nasal resistance that resulted from wearing an external nasal dilator, whereas no significant correlation was detected between each of the 3 nasal dimensions and changes in nasal resistance.


CONCLUSIONS
Noses with a smaller nasal index or a larger basal view index receive greater benefits from the wearing of an external nasal dilator. The effects of external nasal dilators are influenced by nasal shape rather than by individual nasal dimensions in Asians.
Ochi
Kentaro
K
Department of Otolaryngology, St Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan. k2ochi@marianna-u.ac.jp
Ohashi
Toru
T
D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D004106:Dilatation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009666:Nose / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D025363:Rhinomanometry