Assessment of nasal cycle by acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to investigate the pattern, duration, and amplitude of nasal cycle and its response to nasal decongestant.


METHODS
Ten adult volunteers attended 2 sessions (with and without nasal spray of 0.1% xylometazoline) for consecutive examinations by rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry every 10 minutes over 6 hours.


RESULTS
A spontaneous fluctuation in nasal minimum cross-sectional area, volume, and nasal resistances (inspiration and expiration) could be observed in every consecutive measurement. A significant negative correlation (r = -0.33 to -0.70, P < 0.05) between both nasal passages was shown in 5 subjects by rhinomanometry and in 2 subjects by acoustic rhinometry but was not detectable after nasal spray with 0.1% xylometazoline.


CONCLUSIONS
A spontaneous fluctuation in nasal patency can be documented every 10 minutes with irregular pattern, frequency, and amplitude. Classic nasal cycle is not a universal phenomenon, which can be abolished by the application of decongestant.
Huang
Zhi Li
ZL
Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, the National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Ong
Kee Leong
KL
Goh
Sze Yi
SY
Liew
Han Lim
HL
Yeoh
Kian Hian
KH
Wang
De Yun
DY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009666:Nose / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D025363:Rhinomanometry; D023842:Rhinometry, Acoustic
D014663:Nasal Decongestants